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VENEZUELA-MADURO
Venezuelan military declares “unfettered loyalty” to Maduro
CARACAS, Aug. 6, 2018 (BSS/XINHUA) – Venezuelan Minister of Defense
Vladimir Padrino Lopez on Sunday condemned the assassination attempt against
President Nicolas Maduro and proclaimed the military’s unfaltering loyalty to
the president.
Lopez called the attempt a “terrorist act” and a “desperate act” that are
part of “destabilizing plans” to overthrow Maduro’s government, which is
“constitutionally legitimate and elected by the popular vote.”
The defense minister addressed the nation during a televised event in
which he said in a prepared statement that the government decried the attack
and these acts were perpetrated “with the help of Venezuela’s far right.”
He emphasized that the military along with state security agencies would
conduct a thorough investigation to identify who is responsible for the
attack.
Lopez said under no circumstances would the Venezuelan military accept the
violation of national sovereignty and the military would remain unscathed “in
their unconditional support and unfettered loyalty” to Maduro.
Lopez warned that no government that attempts to take power through
undemocratic means will receive the support of the Venezuelan military. “Any
group that undertakes this type of criminal act will receive a forceful
response from us,” he added.
The assassination attempt took place Saturday night when several drone-
type devices carrying explosives came close to the presidential stand where
Maduro was giving a speech. Maduro and the top government officials who were
standing alongside him were unharmed, but seven soldiers were injured as a
result of the blast.
Venezuelan authorities announced Sunday that they’ve arrested six
individuals suspected of involvement in the assassination attempt and more
arrests will be done.
BSS/XINHUA/GMR/1027 hrs