Civil unrest has continued virtually nonstop in Caracas the past month as opponents of President Hugo Chavez call for his removal, staging large weekly demonstrations and blocking major highways, while his supporters hold counter demonstrations across town. Chavez ordered the military to take over Caracas police stations Nov. 16 and assume police powers, and he has threatened to order 3,000 more troops into the streets while a group of dissident military officers controls a major Caracas plaza in a show of defiance. The opposition has called for a general strike Dec. 2 demanding a referendum on ChavezÂ’s presidency; if he is removed from power his supporters have threatened massive protests and possible violence. Tensions are high.
