Venezuelan army partly disarms Caracas police

www.cbc.ca Last Updated Tue, 14 Jan 2003 17:54:13

CARACAS - Soldiers have taken some weapons from police in Caracas, where the force is loyal to a mayor opposed to embattled Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

The army seized submachine-guns and anti-riot rifles that can fire rubber bullets and tear gas early Tuesday, but left the officers' pistols, said Cmdr. Freddy Torres, the department's legal consultant.

Venezuelan soldier (AP Photo-File)Chavez had complained that the 9,000-member force suppressed pro-government demonstrations.

He threatened to take over the department after government officials accused the police of killing two government supporters during a demonstration. The investigation is continuing.

Critics said it was an effort to reduce the power of Mayor Alfredo Pena, who backs the groups which have disrupted Venezuela in their fight with Chavez.

Opposition parties, unions and business leaders called a general strike – now 44 days old – to force Chavez to resign or call early elections.

Chavez is resisting the pressure, and on Monday, Energy and Mines Minister Rafael Ramirez said the strikers are committing "acts of terrorism."

Many stores and schools are closed, and the state-owned oil company has been forced to slash production, costing the country tax revenue and foreign exchange.

Chavez told the army to take over police stations in Caracas in November, but the Supreme Court later overturned the order.