Sun Sep 15 10:43:00 UTC 2024: ## Spain Denies Involvement in Venezuela Destabilization Plot

**MADRID** – The Spanish government has vehemently denied any involvement in alleged plans to destabilize Venezuela, stating that two Spanish nationals arrested in the country have no ties to the Spanish secret service. The arrests, along with those of three U.S. citizens and a Czech citizen, have further strained relations between Venezuela and both Spain and the United States.

Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello accused the two Spaniards, José María Basoa and Andrés Martínez Adasne, of being linked to Spain’s secret service and plotting the assassination of a mayor. He also accused the other detainees of involvement in terrorist acts, including alleged plans to assassinate Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

The Spanish Foreign Ministry has categorically denied any involvement in such activities, stating that the detained Spaniards are not affiliated with any state organization. The government insists that it supports a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis in Venezuela.

The U.S. State Department has also refuted any claims of U.S. involvement in a plot to overthrow Maduro, confirming that a member of the U.S. military is being held and noting unconfirmed reports of two additional U.S. citizens detained in Venezuela.

The arrests come amid escalating tensions between Venezuela and both Spain and the United States. Last week, Venezuela recalled its ambassador to Spain after a Spanish minister accused Maduro of running a dictatorship. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also met with Venezuelan opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who is now in exile in Spain after being threatened with arrest by Maduro’s regime.

The United States recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner of the disputed July 28 election, further intensifying tensions with Venezuela.

Spain has requested information from Venezuela regarding the detainees and is seeking consular access to confirm their identities and the specific accusations against them.

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