Paraguay’s new president alleges plot

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

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, reports the Associated Press.

Two alleged participants responded that the meeting never happened. But President Fernando Lugo said all Paraguayans need to be 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.

Read more about Lugo’s allegations here.

For more about the Paraguayan president and his country, click here.

-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City