CARACAS, Venezuela - Opposition leaders are hoping a new international effort will come up with a plan to end the seven-week strike against President Hugo Chavez and lead to an agreement on elections. Representatives from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Spain and Portugal agreed to create the new forum this week known as the "Group of Friends of Venezuela" to seek solutions to the work stoppage. Strike leaders are demanding Chavez agree to a plebiscite in February on his presidency. Although the vote would be nonbinding, strike leaders believe Chavez would be so embarrassed by the outcome he would...