From different parts of the country, supporters of ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) gathered in different areas of Caracas to celebrate on Thursday the 18th anniversary of the failed civilian-military coup d'état held on February 4, 1992, termed Day of National Dignity by the government.

Executive Vice President Elías Jaua called upon Hugo Chávez's followers to remain in the streets to show the popular appeal of his government and to participate actively in the victory they hope to obtain in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

"We have the power of people and the leadership of Commander-in-chief Hugo Chávez Frías, to counteract the power of our enemies. Therefore, the coming months must be used to show the unity of the popular movement, the deployment (of our followers) in the streets. They (the opposition) must know that Chávez has a great support. The Bolivarian forces will be on every street to fight the battle on the ground, wherever they want; and to achieve a great popular victory in September," he said.