New attempted coup in Venezuela against the Bolivarian revolution
- 13 February 2015
Statement by the Hands Off Venezuela campaign on the latest attempted coup plot in Venezuela.
On Thursday, February 12, the Venezuelan authorities announced the arrest of 7 officers of the Venezuelan Air Force who were taking part in a coup plot to remove the democratically elected government of President Maduro and install a "Transitional government" in its place.
According to President Maduro, the plot involved active and retired military officers as well as some opposition figures. He also explained how some of the plotters had been promised a visa to the US in case the coup failed and paid in US dollars, revealing the participation of US imperialism.
The Hands Off Venezuela campaign strongly rejects this latest attempt to overthrow the Bolivarian revolution by force. The Venezuelan people have democratically expressed their support for the aims of both President Chavez, and now President Maduro, in numerous elections and referenda over the last 16 years.
Repeatedly defeated in the elections, the Venezuelan oligarchy and US imperialism continues to plot to try and destroy the revolution by any means necessary (street riots, military coups, political assassinations etc.)
On every single occasion, the conscious mobilisation of the Venezuelan people has defeated them.
We also draw attention to the fact that the three leading opposition figures (María Corina Machado, Leopoldo López and Antonio Ledezma), who have issued an appeal for a "National Transitional Accord" coinciding with this coup plot, had previously been involved in the April 2002 coup.
At this time we want to reaffirm our commitment to the defence of the Bolivarian revolution. We call on the widest possible mobilisation of the labour movement and progressive public opinion in defence of the democratic will of the Venezuelan people against the machinations of the oligarchy and imperialism.
We say,
USA - Hands Off Venezuela!
Respect the democratic will of the Venezuelan people!
Defend and complete the Bolivarian revolution!
No more impunity!
London, February 13, 2015
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