WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 01st May, 2019) US National Security Adviser John Bolton on Tuesday claimed that senior Venezuelan officials including the defense minister and Supreme Court chief judge have pledged to support the opposition's attempted coup in the country.�
"Figures like Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino, Chief Judge of the Venezuela Supreme Court Maikel Moreno, the Commander of the Presidential Guard Rafael Hernandez Dala all agreed that Maduro had to go," Bolton told reporters at the White House. "They need to be able to act this afternoon or this evening to help bring other military forces to the side of the interim president."
Padrino earlier in the day vowed to crush the attempted coup, saying Venezuela's armed forces remain "loyal to the constitution" and President Nicolas Maduro.
Also earlier in the day, Moreno said he "absolutely disapproved" of the coup attempt, which he said had been launched by a "tiny group" of people in a bid to forcefully seize power.
Bolton also said the US government has made clear to Russia that Washington expects Moscow will not interfere in the events occurring in the country.
