Maduro says a US-led 'coup' is behind the political upheaval in Venezuela

As Venezuela's chaotic political situation continues and the world picks sides, President Nicolas Maduro is alleging the United States orchestrated a coup to remove him from the helm of the embattled nation.

In a Sunday interview, Maduro also accused Juan Guaido, the self-proclaimed interim president and head of the opposition-led National Assembly, of violating "the constitution and all laws," which Maduro said is a matter for the courts.

"I am not the attorney general. It will be the job of the attorney general, it will be up to the courts to determine the steps to follow and we'll see. This pertains to the justice system," he told CNN Turk's Cuneyt Ozdemir.

Guaido declared himself acting president last week amid massive and deadly anti-government protests, claiming Maduro was illegitimately elected for a second term.

Maduro, however, says Venezuela is "the victim of a US conspiracy," referring to reports that US Vice President Mike Pence promised Guaido full American support the day before he declared himself Venezuela's new leader.

In an interview with The Washington Post on Sunday, Guaido said Venezuela's opposition is in talks with military and civilian officials to force out Maduro. Guaido also told The Post the talks with the military were taking place "behind the scenes."

"This is a very delicate subject involving personal security," Guaido told The Post. "We are meeting with them, but discreetly."

(CNN)

Maduro says a US-led 'coup' is behind the political upheaval in Venezuela

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