Paraguay's Fernando Lugo alleges coup plot

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Miami Herald

Paraguay's Fernando Lugo alleges coup plot
Posted on Tue, Sep. 02, 2008reprint print email
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Associated Press

ASUNCION, Paraguay -- Paraguay's president has warned of a possible coup plot against his new government, saying that rival politicians summoned a key military figure to gauge support for their political ambitions.

Two alleged participants responded that the meeting never happened. But President Fernando Lugo said all Paraguayans need to be on alert for coup attempts by ''antidemocratic and retrograde'' elements.

''We will not allow attacks on the freedom of our people,'' Lugo told reporters summoned to his offices Monday. ``Those who intend to pursue conspiratorial projects will be met with all the tools the constitution gives me.''

Lugo accused retired Gen. Lino Cesar Oviedo, a former political rival who placed third in April's presidential election, of holding the meeting in his home on Sunday.

Lugo told reporters that a liaison between the military and Congress unwittingly was driven to the meeting. He was picked up by the chauffeur of Senate President Enrique González, a member of Oviedo's party.



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