Coordinadora Democratica battles to stay united

www.vheadline.com Posted: Tuesday, January 28, 2003 - 2:18:57 AM By: Robert Rudnicki

Splits continue to appear in the Coordinadora Democratica opposition grouping as less hard-line members insist support for the strike is voluntary and cannot be forced on people. Primero Justicia deputy Julio Borges says "people have held on for in excess of 50 days and they have made a great sacrifice ... some people plan to reopen certain commercial, industrial and business activity. We must respect that the strike is voluntary." 

Borges' comments come as many shopping malls, fast food franchises, schools begin to consider reopening, and following the Caracas Stock Exchange's plan to do the same after supporting the work stoppage since December 2. 

Rumors of discontent began several weeks ago when some opposition leaders began to question the long term affects of the strike and a possible popular backlash that come come as food supplies remain in doubt and many schools remain closed. 

However, one sector that still appears to be holding firm is the petroleum industry. Despite government claims that many workers were now returning, it appears as if resolve may have been hardened by the approximately 3,000 firings that have been carried out since Petroleos de Venezuela's (PDVSA) restructuring was announced.