Maduro's Supporters, Opposition Representatives Gathering On Streets Of Caracas - Reports

Maduro's Supporters, Opposition Representatives Gathering on Streets of Caracas - Reports

Supporters of legitimate Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and opposition representatives are gathering on the streets of Caracas and several other states after an attempted coup in the country, local broadcasters reported

BUENOS AIRES (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 30th April, 2019) Supporters of legitimate Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and opposition representatives are gathering on the streets of Caracas and several other states after an attempted coup in the country, local broadcasters reported.

The opposition-backing TVVenezuela reported that supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido are taking to the streets of Caracas and the state of Carabobo.

State-owned broadcaster VTV reported that the people came to the presidential palace Miraflores to protect it.

Earlier in the day, opposition leader Juan Guaido urged Venezuelan civilians and armed forces to take to the streets to help depose President Nicolas Maduro. Guaido added that the military personnel who supported him could expect the people to back them. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez said in response that the country's armed forces "firmly support the national constitution and legitimate authorities."

Large-scale protests against Maduro began in Venezuela on January 21 soon after he was sworn in for a new term. Guaido proclaimed himself an interim leader of the country. A number of Western countries, including the United States, backed his claim. Maduro, in turn, has accused the United States of trying to orchestrate a coup in order to install Guaido and take over Venezuela's natural resources. Russia, China, Cuba, Bolivia, Turkey and a number of other countries have voiced their support for Maduro as the only legitimate president of Venezuela.