Venezuela thwarts a plot to overthrow the government.

On February 26, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua declared that the government had essentially thwarted a plot by far-right groups inside and outside the country to undermine the constitutional order, but the threat remains.

Speaking after a meeting with his Bolivian counterpart David Choquehuanca in La Paz, Jaua asserted that the anti-government protests in Venezuela are not simply social issues, but that the real purpose is political, orchestrated by well-trained opposition groups aiming to incite violence.

A peace march took place in Caracas on February 23rd to express support for President Maduro and his government. (Source: THX/VNA)

Foreign Minister Jaua stated that Venezuela still has social problems that need to be addressed, just like in any society in the world, but that is not a reason for the violent protests.

He asserted that the main goal of those behind the plot was to overthrow the government of President Nicolas Maduro and destroy the achievements of the revolution founded by the late President Hugo Chavez 15 years ago.

The Venezuelan government also rejected accusations that it was blocking citizens from using the internet, while asserting that freedom of speech and the press remain respected.

Foreign Minister Jaua is currently on a tour of member states of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) to brief them on the situation unfolding in Venezuela.

According to VNA