Venezuela's opposition switches tack

www.dw-world.de   Venezuela's opposition has declared its 63-day general strike ended, except in the oil sector, and switched tack by launching a non- binding petition telling President Hugo Chavez to hold elections. A defiant Chavez claimed he had defeated strikers, saying oil production was approaching two million barrels per day, around two-thirds the normal level. Strikers put output at one million. The opposition petition has 3.7 million signatures, according to organisers. Chavez has rejected an early election, saying the constitution does not allow a referendum until August. On Sunday, five people were hurt as police intervened between Chavez supporters and opponents who'd queued to sign the petition.