Venezuelan police break up Caracas clash

Venezuelan police used tear gas to break up a clash between supporters of President Hugo Chavez and his opponents in the capital last night.

The Organisation of American States has warned time is running out for a peaceful resolution in the world’s fifth largest oil exporter.

“If we don’t find a solution at the table, there is a risk that the country becomes more polarised, and that brings an enormous risk of violence,” OAS Secretary General Cesar Gaviria said.

Citing economic and political turmoil, Chavez opponents launched a general strike on December 2, demanding a non-binding referendum on his presidency, which ends in 2007. Chavez has refused, and the opposition now says it will end the strike only if he calls general elections.

Venezuela’s oil industry has been crippled by the strike, unsettling markets worldwide and alarming analysts heading into the winter oil season.

Food, water and cash have started becoming scarce as the strike hits supplies. Chavez supporters rattled the gates of a closed bank and set off firecrackers to demand that it reopen.

In April, dissident oil executives nearly shut down Venezuelan oil production. Labour and business groups joined the strike, and Chavez was overthrown on April 12 after 19 people were killed during an opposition march.

He returned on April 14 after an interim government abolished the constitution and his supporters took to the streets.