Hugo Chávez ally says coup plot discovered in Venezuela

A close ally of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez says a plot to oust the leader has been discovered. Mario Silva, who hosts a program on state television, played a recording late Wednesday of a purported phone conversation in which alleged conspirators discussed plans to overthrow Chávez. Silva said Vice Admiral Carlos Millan was among them, along with two other ex-officers from the National Guard and the air force. In the recording aired, a voice identified as an ex-officer said, ''We're going to take'' the presidential palace. Chávez survived a 2002 failed coup and often has accused opponents of trying to oust him again. It's unclear what actions the government has taken against those accused of involvement.