coup

Bolivian Minister of Authorities, Eduardo del Castilloassured this Wednesday that the intention of the dismissed Military commander Juan José Zuñiga was to “take command” of the nation and that the tried “coup d’état” that occurred “was not a drill.”

Del Castillo, who publicly launched Zuñiga to the media after his arrest, referred to the deposed army chief as a “felony” who sought to “overthrow a democratically elected authority (Luis Arce).”

“What Zuñiga was aiming for was to take command of our nation, to develop into captain normal of the Armed Forces”he acknowledged.

Likewise, the minister offered the dismissed Navy commander, Vice Admiral Juan Arnezwho’s presumed to have collaborated and took part within the army takeover that day.

“These two individuals didn’t act alone, they weren’t two individuals who deliberate and conspired to overthrow a democratically elected authorities (…) there are different individuals recognized”Del Castillo acknowledged.

He mentioned that there was a “political manipulation” behind these occasions, since some sectors had already introduced protests this week and Zuñiga was searching for “to acquire standard help.”

The minister maintained that the Authorities will make “each effort” in order that Zuñiga and Arnez “are sentenced for armed rebellion, assault in opposition to the president and destruction of private and non-private property,” though it is going to even be analyzed whether or not an accusation for different crimes is suitable.

“The coup d’état has not been in a position to be carried out because of the dedication and recent reminiscence that the Bolivian individuals have,” Del Castillo remarked.

Worry gripped the inhabitants after tanks and closely armed troopers stormed the Bolivian authorities headquarters below Zuñiga’s command.

The Bolivian president, Luis Arcedenounced that an “tried coup d’état” was brewing.

In the course of the army occupation, Zúñiga mentioned he was searching for to “restructure democracy” and that the primary measure he would take could be the discharge of these he thought of “political prisoners.”

Minutes later, Zuñiga and his armed troops withdrew from Plaza Murillo within the metropolis heart after President Arce relieved the commanders of the Armed Forces and ordered them to “withdraw.”

With the army withdrawn, officers and supporters of President Luis Arce gathered in entrance of the presidential headquarters, the place they celebrated that they’d resisted the “tried coup d’état.”

On the finish of the day, Zuñiga was arrested after the Police executed an arrest warrant in opposition to him. EFE (I)