Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro warned on Wednesday that he would not hesitate to call on the population for a "new revolution” if forced by what he called "North American imperialism and fascist criminals&rdquo ;, reports CNN, quoted by Focus.
Maduro's comments come amid deadly protests across the country following a disputed presidential election victory that the US and several other countries have refused to recognize.
"I would not like to resort to a revolution, I say it solemnly on behalf of the political power, we want to continue the path that (Hugo) Chávez outlined”, Maduro said in Caracas during a press conference with international media.
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"But if North American imperialism and fascist criminals force us, my pulse will not tremble and I will call the people to a new revolution with other characteristics“, he added.
The president's comments come just hours after US National Security Spokesman John Kirby called on Maduro to "be candid” for the election on Sunday.
"Our patience and that of the international community is running out waiting for the Venezuelan electoral authorities to come forward and release the full, detailed data on this election so that everyone can see the results,'' Kirby told reporters on Wednesday.
Kirby also noted that the US and other nations share "serious concern about reports of casualties, violence and arrests, including the arrest warrants that Maduro and his representatives issued today (Wednesday) to opposition leaders.
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"Together with the international community, we are monitoring and will respond accordingly,”, Kirby assured.