Venezuela Exposes Coup Plans

Venezuelan members of Congress exposed a coup plan masked under the drive by the so-called 2D Movement to discredit the government of Venezuela. Legislator Dario Vivas called 2D Movement Leader Miguel Henrique Otero, owner of El Nacional daily, unreliable user of outdated tactics. Vivas warned Venezolana de Television against opposition obvious efforts to repeat the 2002 coup but turn out for such scheme will be the same as well: the popular will will finally prevail. He added that although those who encourage civil disobedience lack support they can not be underestimated because they have economic power and control media. Legislators Earle Herrera and Desire Santos called to monitor 2D Movement for it may try to create a situation similar to that of the 2002 coup to prevent the November regional elections. The 2D Movement questions the legal force of the laws President Chavez just passed with powers bestowed by the National Assembly to approve decrees with the force of laws. Otero calls political reprisal the prohibition to assume public offices to officials involved in management violations although it affects both Chavez's followers and foes. Herrera says that so far are few media owners linked to the previous coup that lead a systematic drive relaying on their economic power. The destabilization plan includes complaints from the Consejo Nacional de Periodistas on alleged attacks against its members.