Venezuelan opposition ends general strike

www.inq7.net Posted: 10:33 AM (Manila Time) | Feb. 03, 2003 Agence France-Presse

CARACAS - The Venezuelan opposition late Sunday officially declared an end to a 63-day general strike that has paralyzed the country's economy and reduced its oil exports to a trickle. But the opposition pointed out that its struggle against the government of populist President Hugo Chavez was just entering a "new phase." "The Democratic Coordinating Committee announced that tonight we are entering a long-expected and more trying new phase in our struggle," said opposition spokesman Timoteo Zambrano.

He said although the strike was ending, the protesters would not abandon thousands of employees of Petroleos de Venezuela, the state-run oil company, who have been dismissed by the Chavez government.

"Our struggle will now assume new forms, and we will pursue our goals at the negotiation table," Zambrano pointed out.

Opposition business, labor and political leaders launched the strike two months ago in criticism of what they say is Chavez's autocratic style.

The strike has caused Venezuela billions of dollars in losses, largely because it slashed oil shipments from the world's fifth largest oil exporter.

The Organization of American States and former US president Jimmy Carter have attempted to bring government and opposition together.

Last month, the United States, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Chile and Brazil formed the "Group of Friends of Venezuela" to broker a deal.

Opposition leaders planned to allow schools, shops, grocery stores and industry to resume operation during the coming week, while stepping up street demonstrations aimed at pushing Chavez out of office.