Opposition officially ends general strike

www.smh.com.au February 4 2003

The Venezuelan opposition yesterday officially declared an end to a 63-day general strike that has paralysed 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," opposition spokesman Timoteo Zambrano

He said although the strike was ending, the protesters will 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 out goals at the negotiation table.

Opposition business, labour 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 Organisation 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.