Rebel troops demand President's resignation

Venezuelan army troops enraged by the killings of 12 civilians and wounding of 110 during an opposition march rebelled against President Hugo Chavez, today, seizing key installations and airports to prevent him from leaving the country.

Chavez was at the presidential palace with loyalist troops in talks with rebel officers, retired Gen Guaicaipuro Lameda said. Chavez’s defence minister, Jose Vicente Rangel, resigned, and rebel troops seized the government television station in Caracas.