Blowing whistles and chanting, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans marched through Caracas on Saturday to protest the rejection of a petition aimed at recalling President Hugo Chavez. Protesters streamed toward a central avenue from several gathering points in the capital, many dressed from head to toe in the national colors of red, yellow and blue. Officials said at least 500,000 people took part. The march was peaceful, in contrast with last week's demonstrations. At least eight people were killed and hundreds arrested in five days of rioting set off by the National Elections Council's decision. One protester's sign read: "I'm not armed. Don't shoot! I'm Venezuelan."
"We're prepared to take to the streets a thousand times until we're allowed the recall referendum," said opposition leader Henry Ramos Allup. "Nobody is going to rob us of our right to oust Hugo Chavez peacefully." Opposition leaders have appealed to the Organization of American States and the U.S.-based Carter Center for support, saying the stability of the world's fifth-biggest oil exporter is at stake. Street violence abated last week after the OAS and Carter Center promised to help ensure that citizens would have a chance to prove they signed. Negotiations over the process continued Saturday.
| Great, Jimmuah's involved. They're doomed. |
Chavez insists election officials have reason to suspect the petition is fraudulent. In a two-hour speech to foreign ambassadors Friday, the president displayed copies of petition forms bearing the names of foreigners, minors and people long deceased. But he promised to respect the council's final decision on whether to hold the referendum - and to abide by the outcome of any eventual vote. He accused the United States of spreading lies about his government and urged foreign governments to condemn U.S. intrusion in Venezuelan affairs.
| "Make them quit lying about me!" |
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