New protests, but Chavez won't budge

Tens of thousands hit the streets in Caracas on 28th day of strike ALEXANDRA OLSON Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela - Tens of thousands of people took to the streets demanding the resignation of President Hugo Chavez on Sunday, the 28th day of a nationwide strike that has virtually halted oil exports and evaporated domestic gasoline supplies.

The protesters poured out of nine areas of the capital to converge on an avenue chosen for its name: "La Victoria," or victory. Politicians, businessmen and labor leaders prodded the crowd with a long list of arguments why Chavez should quit.

It's a scene that has been played out many times during the strike -- so far without success.

Chavez refuses to go and insists the government is regaining control of the state oil monopoly, Petroleos de Venezuela, where most managers are on strike. He says he will use the protest to downsize the mammoth corporation and has already replaced many strikers.

"It's a struggle to save the country between us patriots and the traitors," Chavez said during his weekly television show, held Sunday outside a gasoline distribution center where the government has replaced striking managers.

At the rally in Caracas, his foes threatened more civil disobedience, including not paying taxes. Many also want to march on the presidential palace. The last time that happened, 19 people were killed in the clash between Chavez foes and followers. The April 11 violence provoked a coup that ousted Chavez for two days.