Explosions Rock Diplomatic Offices in Caracas

www.voanews.com VOA News 25 Feb 2003, 12:30 UTC

Authorities in Venezuela say two separate explosions have damaged the Spanish embassy and the Colombian consulate in Caracas. One person was reported to have been slightly injured.

Police say the first blast occurred early Tuesday morning near the Spanish embassy. The force of the explosion destroyed the embassy gate and shattered windows in adjacent buildings.

Minutes later another explosion shook the Colombian consulate, not far away. That blast also broke windows and damaged nearby structures. Police say leaflets were found at both locations bearing the name of a previously unknown political group.

Spain and Colombia are among several nations that expressed concern to Venezuelan authorities about the arrest last week of Venezuelan business leader Carlos Fernandez.

Mr. Fernandez, who had helped organize a two-month nationwide general strike that failed to oust President Hugo Chavez, is now under house arrest. He faces charges of civil rebellion and criminal indictment for helping lead the walkout. Another strike leader, Carlos Ortega, went into hiding after a warrant was issued for his arrest