Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ali Rodriguez says his government cannot dismiss intelligence reports that there are plots to assassinate President Hugo Chavez.
Mr. Rodriguez made the comment Wednesday while addressing a special session of the Organization of American States. He did not give details about the alleged plots, but warned that an assassination attempt against Mr. Chavez would have serious international consequences.
His comment comes a day after the U.S. State Department dismissed as "ridiculous" allegations by Mr. Chavez that there is a U.S. plot to assassinate him. At a news conference following his speech, Mr. Rodriguez called for respect of Venezuela and non-interference in his country's affairs.
The Bush administration has criticized Mr. Chavez' populist policies, saying his rhetoric and actions are undermining democracy in the South American nation and threaten regional stability.
