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Singer Rodriguez Performs in Venezuela - "A Song of Love for the Revolution" [Full text] CARACAS, Venezuela - Cuban folk singer Silvio Rodriguez is helping Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez celebrate his fifth anniversary in power by performing at a concert dubbed, "A Song of Love for the Revolution."

Rodriguez was expected to join other Cuban and Venezuelan musicians Saturday for the event, which coincides with a large street rally marking Chavez's 1998 presidential win.

Chavez, who was re-elected in 2000, invited Rodriguez for the festivities.

"I'm here because I believe in revolutionary processes," said Rodriguez, whose songs of love and social justice have won over fans throughout Latin America.

"There have been difficulties, but it must be given a vote of confidence," Rodriguez said at a news conference Friday.

Opponents of Chavez are seeking a recall referendum on his term next year.

Musicians specializing in trovas - songs focusing on social problems that often recall U.S. protest tunes of the 1960s - will join Rodriguez at the concert. [End]

1,036 posted on 12/08/2003 12:32:10 PM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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Opposition Warns Chavez Over Recall - Chavez: I will personally review every signature***CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuela's opposition warned Monday that President Hugo Chavez Monday would face widespread protests if he disregards a petition calling for a referendum on his recall. The Democratic Coordinator, a coalition of opposition parties and civic groups, said in a statement that Chavez "doesn't have the strength, either on the streets or in the armed forces" to block the referendum.

Chavez claims the opposition resorted to fraud during the recent drive to collect signatures for a presidential recall vote that would be held next year. On Sunday, Chavez vowed to personally review every signature - by some estimates, more than 3 million - and said he would reject any that he considers fake, even if the National Elections Council decides they are legitimate. "I would lay the bat down at home plate and say 'There's no game,'" Chavez said. "They must convince me, signature by signature ... for there to be a game."

Opposition leaders claim at least 3.6 million people signed the presidential recall petition - well above the 2.4 million needed to trigger a vote. They plan to turn in the signatures by next week. The elections council would then have 30 days to verify the petitions and decide whether to authorize a vote. ***

1,037 posted on 12/09/2003 12:01:37 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
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