LINKED to timeline of Chavez - union conflict the last 6 months: Venezuela labor leader warns of potential civil war, disarm supporters, change Cabinet*** Ortega said Chavez should disarm the militant support groups known as "Bolivarian Circles." The president's critics say those are potential paramilitary groups and some of their members were filmed shooting at demonstrators on April 11. "These armed groups are the big question," Ortega said, "because with them present, there is no guarantee of safety for any of us."
Ortega won one of the few political victories over the president by defeating Chavez-backed rivals in a union vote last year. Chavez then refused to recognize the union leaders, who were also upset by several laws he enacted by decree. Ortega on Saturday welcomed Chavez's appointment of Ali Rodriguez, secretary-general of OPEC, as the new head of Venezuela's state oil monopoly. "He has been capable of good work ... we have had a relationship with him in the past," Ortega said. He demanded that the company's yet-to-be-named board of directors be "broad" and include civic leaders. Chavez sparked a crisis in the company, known as PDVSA, by attempting to pack the previous board with supporters and political appointees.
Ortega confirmed that during a recent labor trip to the United States, the subject of dissatisfaction with Chavez came up, but he said U.S. officials said they would not back a coup. "The State Department said they wouldn't support any kind of coup, and that any change that occurred in the country had to come from a democratic viewpoint," Ortega said. He pledged to lead his unions in a traditional May 1 march, but said it would not become the kind of political demonstration held on April 11.***
Hugo Chavez - Venezuela
Jorge Torotoza, Venezuelan photographer for the daily newspaper 2001, lies fatally injured after being shot during clashes in Caracas April 11, 2002. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez resigned April 12, 2002, the country's armed forces chief said, after clashes between supporters and opposition left at least 10 dead and 80 injured. REUTERS/Franklin Suarez
Jorge Tortoza is seen in a hospital after being shot during clashes between supporters of President Hugo Chavez and the opposition in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, April 11, 2002. Tortoza, a 45-year-old photographer with Diario 2001 newspaper, was shot in the face by a man in civilian clothing while he was covering the protest, said reporter Angel Arraez. Tortoza was listed in critical condition. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) - Apr 11 10:14 PM ET
Venezuelan journalists march against the killing of a local photographer, Jorge Tortoza, during protests that lead to a failed coup against President Hugo Chavez, in Caracas April 25, 2002. A close ally of Chavez has urged him to replace key members of his cabinet to defuse political tensions with opponents after the coup that briefly deposed the left-wing leader this month. REUTERS/Howard Yanes