Venezuela's opposition tones down demand for Chavez to quit now
Opponents of Venezuela's embattled leader Hugo Chavez have apparently toned down recent demands for his immediate ouster.
The opposition has revived previous calls for Mr Chavez to call for elections if he loses a referendum they want planned for February.Advertisement
Opposition leaders said massive street protests and a crippling four week old general strike clearly showed that the people wanted Mr Chavez to resign.
"Accept that if you lose it you should call general elections within no more than 30 days. And we, who have confronted you with a general civic strike will get the country moving," said strike leader Carlos Ortega.
Venezuela's opposition tones down demand for Chavez to quit now
Opponents of Venezuela's embattled leader Hugo Chavez have apparently toned down recent demands for his immediate ouster.
The opposition has revived previous calls for Mr Chavez to call for elections if he loses a referendum they want planned for February.
Opposition leaders said massive street protests and a crippling four week old general strike clearly showed that the people wanted Mr Chavez to resign.
"Accept that if you lose it you should call general elections within no more than 30 days. And we, who have confronted you with a general civic strike will get the country moving," said strike leader Carlos Ortega.
Venezuelans spent Christmas still in the grip of a general strike now in its fourth week.
The walkout has crippled the vital oil sector, prompting government warnings strike organizers could face criminal charges.
Scarce fuel supplies meant many Venezuelans have had to cancel family reunions.
The strike has so far cost the state oil monopoly US$1.3 billion, with world prices edging above US$31 a barrel.
Caracas entered Christmas Day with an eerie calm, as strike leaders told protesters to rest and prepare for new, massive rallies.
But protestors still gathered in one of the city's largest squares to press their demands for Mr Chavez to step down.
In a gesture for reconciliation, the president issued a message of goodwill to his countrymen to mark the festive season.
He still refuses to quit and has vowed to beat the strike and take control of the state oil company.
His foes are equally as determined to keep it shut down until he leaves office.
Both sides are due to resume internationally mediated negotiations later Thursday.
The government has made it clear it would maintain a tough stance at the talks.