Blast Rocks Building Hosting Venezuelan Talks

Truth News-Voice of America, April 12, 2003

A powerful explosion in Venezuela's capital has damaged the building hosting key negotiations between government and opposition leaders.

Authorities said Saturday, the high intensity explosion occurred before dawn at the Caracas Teleport office building. No one was injured in the blast, which shattered windows and destroyed a conference area in the building's basement.

Two men were in the building at the time of the blast. A watchman escaped injury because he was sleeping under a desk, and a technician was several floors above the explosion.

Authorities suspect the explosion is linked to similar blasts at the Spanish Embassy and the Colombian Consulate in February. The bombing comes one day after government and opposition representatives met with negotiators from the Organization of American states. The two sides agreed Friday to work toward a referendum to support or reject the presidency of Hugo Chavez.

Mr. Chavez's opponents say he has destroyed the country's economy, and have been calling for him to resign. Friday also marked the one-year anniversary of a massive protest outside the presidential palace in Caracas which left 19 people dead.