Businessman Mr Pedro Carmona insisted today there was no coup in Venezuela two weeks ago, and that he had proclaimed himself president of an interim government in the absence of jailed President Hugo Chavez.
"There was no rebellion or coup d'etat against the president; there was a power vacuum," Mr Carmona told a legislative committee looking into the April 12th coup.
Military leaders removed Mr Chavez from the presidential palace and placed him under arrest. A day later, Mr Carmona dissolved the legislature and the courts and dismissed top prosecutors and ombudsmen after claiming the presidency.
"I was called to fill a power vacuum that had occurred and to form a transitional government," Mr Carmona said.
Mr Chavez returned to power two days later, on April 14.
AFP