Juan Andrés Mejías, a student leader of the Simón Bolívar University (USB), a public institution located in Caracas, described as "sad and regrettable" the statements made by President Hugo Chávez, against opposition students.

He reiterated that the student movement has never had the goal of overthrowing the government. "We have always said that the goal of the student movement has never been, under any circumstances, to overthrow any Venezuelan government."

"Our slogan in 2007 was: "we are not coup plotters, we are students." We repeated it on Thursday.

Mejías said that the students of this generation only want a better country, which is not divided by colors or social classes; a country where all people have the same opportunities to succeed.

The student leader said that these are the reasons why they have protested and they will remain in the streets "asking for justice and a better country." He said that the slogans of the students do not seek to overthrow President Hugo Chávez. Their aim is to struggle for a better quality of life of the Venezuelan people.

He said that the students are preparing to take the power but through democratic means.

Finally, Mejías said that the students have tried, in a country polarized by politics, not to be identified as opposition or Chávez's followers, but as a force willing to transform the country.

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas