Fears increase of coup against Maduro

Cardinal Jorge Urosa has called for political dialogue to put an end to the “national anxiety” in Venezuela over a possible coup, writes Isabel de Bertodano.

“I obviously reject any attempt to overthrow the national government but if there is such a plan it must be disclosed and its causes discussed,” he said.

The cardinal was referring to recent claims by President Nicolás Maduro that the United States is fostering plans for a coup against him. Last month, Caracas mayor Antonio Ledezma, a long-time critic of the socialist Government, was arrested on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the president.

Speaking to Unión Radio last week, the cardinal demanded a meeting between Venezuela’s political opponents. “Through dialogue, not only do we see each other’s faces, but we find a solution to the problems,” he said.