Colombia’s ministry of foreign affairs has vehemently denied the country has been involved in the attempt on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's life on Saturday. The ministry issued a strongly-worded statement, calling the claims of its involvement “absurd” and “lacking all foundation” after Maduro said that he had “no doubt that the name [of Colombian President] Juan Manuel Santos is behind this attack." The ministry demanded “respect” for Santos, the Colombian authorities and its people, accusing Maduro of making a scapegoat out of Bogota on any occasion. Santos has repeatedly predicted “regime change” in Venezuela, that is battling with a severe economic slump and soaring inflation. Earlier this week, he alleged that Maduro’s days at the helm of the country are numbered. "I can see it [Maduro's ouster] happening in the near future," he said.

READ MORE: In post-attack speech, Venezuela's Maduro blames 'ultra-right' & Colombia