Ruling Party Boycotts Parliamentary Session to Thwart Referendum on Chavez's Rule*** Opposition lawmakers yell 'We want work' in front of empty desks of the pro-government lawmakers in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, June 12, 2003. Ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary session to avoid what they said was planned opposition violence in the latest episode in a feud delaying congressional efforts to choose election authorities that would prepare a referendum on President Hugo Chavez's rule.***
Venezuelan Troops Fight Chavez Supporters *** CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuela troops fought pitched street battles Friday with supporters of President Hugo Chavez who tried to disrupt an opposition rally in an impoverished area of Caracas considered a government stronghold. At least three people were injured. Troops in armored vehicles arrived at the scene while "Chavistas," as the president's supporters are known, fought back, throwing bottles, rocks and firecrackers at security forces.
Hundreds of national guard troops and police in riot gear launched tear gas grenades to disperse more than 100 rowdy government backers. Columns of black smoke rose from tires burning in the street and mingled with thick clouds of white tear gas. One police officer was wounded by gunfire from an unknown source and two others were hurt by rocks, said Pedro Aristimuno, the city's health secretary. The tear gas forced the evacuation of 25 children from a nearby hospital, he added. ***