Secretary of State Colin Powell has flatly denied the United States was involved in any way in last month's failed coup against Venezuela President Hugo Chavez. 

Mr. Powell told a Sunday morning television news program (NBC's "Meet the Press") suggestions of any U.S. involvement in the incident are without merit. The top U.S. diplomat says the Bush administration was under the impression that President Chavez had resigned voluntarily rather than being forced out of office. 

The chief of staff of Venezuela's armed forces says President Chavez had considered resigning to avert an expected bloodbath during massive anti-government protests. General Lucas Rincon told a Venezuelan legislative investigating committee (Saturday) the embattled president withdrew his offer when rebellious military leaders rejected his terms for stepping down. Reuters (news agency) quotes General Rincon as saying he did not know the deal had collapsed when he publicly announced the president's resignation. Last month, some military officers arrested President Chavez and announced his resignation after at least 17 unarmed protesters were shot and killed during an anti-government rally. The coup leaders installed businessman Pedro Carmona as interim leader. Mr. Carmona was forced out two days later when military leaders withdrew their support and returned President Chavez to office. Mr. Carmona currently is under house arrest. 

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

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