Triumphant yet chastened, Venezuela’s president Hugo Chavez returned to office on the wings of a popular uprising two days after he was ousted in a botched coup, saying he had had time to reflect on his mistakes and was prepared to ‘‘make corrections’’.

Latin American leaders today reacted furiously at the instalment of Pedro Carmona as Venezuela’s interim leader following a huge military revolt, calling the new government illegitimate.

Venezuela's military leadership has forced President Hugo Chavez to resign after 13 people died following a day of violence.