Paraguay President Fernando Lugo denounces coup plans (updated)

«We will not allow attacks on the freedom of our people,» Lugo told reporters summoned to his offices. «Those who intend to pursue conspiratorial projects will be met with all the tools the constitution gives me. Lugo accused retired Gen. Lino Cesar Oviedo, a former political rival who placed third in April's presidential election, of holding the meeting in his home on Sunday. Lugo told reporters that a liaison between the military and Congress unwittingly was driven to the meeting. He was picked up by the chauffer of Senate President Enrique Gonzalez, a member of Oviedo's party.
The liaison was asked the political leanings of the military. He said the military is neutral and immediately left. Gonzalez called Lugo's accusations «absurd. Electoral Justice Minister Juan Manuel Morales, also accused of attending the meeting, said he was working in his office Sunday night. Oviedo, who once was jailed for coup-plotting and later cleared, recently helped Lugo form a governing coalition in Congress.