Chavez's government backs referendum as solution to crisis
Caracas, Venezuela-AP -- Venezuela's government is proposing a way out of the crisis that has gripped the nation for two months. It has rejected an opposition plan to cut President Hugo Chavez's (OO'-goh CHAH'-vezihz) term short. But it is proposing a referendum on his role later this year.
The opposition called a general strike in early December as a way of forcing Chavez out of office. The strike largely broke down this week.
The government proposal says opponents can start collecting signatures for a recall referendum in August -- which would be halfway through Chavez's term.
Chavez has repeatedly said a recall vote could actually be held in August.
The opposition says it has already collected more than four (m) million signatures for a constitutional amendment ending Chavez's term this year.