VENEZUELANS ARE STAGING A 24-HOUR RALLY AGAINST CHAVEZ:

The rally – intended to last 24 hours – was called in protest against a court decision to block a referendum on President Chavez’s rule, which opponents say is dictatorial.

Venezuela, the world’s fifth largest oil exporter, has been gripped by the eight-week strike, which has caused severe fuel and some food shortages.

President Chavez is refusing to step down, saying his opponents are being manipulated by Venezuela’s wealthy elite. . . .

The protesters have accused Mr Chavez of behaving like a dictator and mismanaging the economy and have called on him to resign or call early elections.

They flooded a four-kilometre stretch (2.5 miles) of the major highway, chanting Until he goes! and waving the national colours of the Venezuelan flag.

There are blog-pictures here.