Safely in Costa Rica, Venezuelan labor leader criticizes Chavez

<a href=www.sfgate.com>Web Reference MARIANELA JIMENEZ, Associated Press Writer Friday, March 28, 2003
(03-28) 23:29 PST SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) --

Safely in exile, Venezuelan opposition leader Carlos Ortega is urging followers back home to maintain their effort to oust President Hugo Chavez.

At a news conference Friday in Costa Rica, the president of the Venezuelan Labor Confederation denied the criminal charges that forced him to flee his country, where he was one of the leaders of a paralyzing 61-day general strike.

"I have nothing to fear. I'm not corrupt, nor am I a delinquent," Ortega said. "The most corrupt person our country has given birth to is Chavez, and he will pay with prison for that."

Ortega, charged with treason in Venezuela for his role in the strike, arrived late Thursday in Costa Rica, where he was granted asylum.

He urged his followers to "stay united, no matter what personal or political differences ... so that we can soon leave behind the nightmare we are living."

Costa Rican officials gave Ortega diplomatic asylum after the labor leader expressed fears for his life. Chavez's government allowed him to leave the country on Wednesday.

The general strike disrupted the Venezuelan economy and oil industry, costing an estimated $6 billion in losses without achieving its objective of ousting the president.

Facing rebellion and treason charges, Ortega slipped into the Costa Rican Embassy on March 14 and requested political asylum. "I think I'm more useful to my family and country alive," he said.