Alwaght: Cuba has warned foreign countries against meddling in the internal affairs of Venezuela, as President Nicolas Maduro is facing plots to oust his government.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez says foreigners should avoid any interference that could encourage violent extremism, including a coup. Rodriguez, whose government has close relations with Maduro, said during an official visit to Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday that Venezuelans fear foreign action against their country.
Maduro late Tuesday charged the US State Department with encouraging a military intervention.
"The US government, the State Department has given the green light, the approval for a coup process to intervene in Venezuela," President Maduro said, speaking from the Miraflores Palace.
Maduro said that security forces had arrested an “armed commando group sent by the opposition in order to attack the mobilization called by the right-wing for Wednesday to generate violence and deaths in the country.” An investigation has been opened to determine those behind the plan.
The Venezuelan leader also pointed to a US State Department statement issued Tuesday evening that warned of an "international response" to Venezuelan government if "peaceful protests" face repression. The US government wrote up a coup scenario for opposition leader Julio Borges, Maduro said.
The “scenario” Maduro referred to consists of generating violence and deaths before blaming the Venezuelan government for allegedly violently attacking political opponents. Then the plot leaders would demand immediate elections, ahead of Maduro's official end of term in 2019.
“No more coups in Venezuela, no more plots,” said Maduro, adding that he activated a public security plan to maintain order.
The Venezuelan leader also called on government supporters to take the streets in the defense of the 18-year Bolivarian Revolution, which has seen an unprecedented internal and external attacks in recent months.
Opposition protesters have vandalized various areas in Caracas in recent days causing economic damage estimated at around 50 billion bolivars, President Maduro announced Sunday. A high school, a community health center, various subsidized food markets and several government ministries have also reportedly been severely affected.
The opposition MUD alliance has called for a "Mega March" protest in Caracas on Wednesday and estimate a large turnout with promotions flooding social media.
Officials fear that there could be violence should they attempt to redirect marches to areas where pro-government demonstrators will be gathere.
