Venezuela's President Seeks International Support Amid Ongoing General Strike

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez met with Brazil's new President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who expressed his support for Chavez's efforts to resolve the month-long general strike that has crippled oil production and brought life to a standstill in the country. Chavez announced his intention to form a group of "Friends of Venezuela" to lead an international diplomatic effort to end the strike, which he claims is a "coup attempt disguised as a strike" organized by terrorists.

Key Takeaways:

• The Venezuelan general strike, which began on December 2, 2002, has resulted in a 90% drop in oil production, with executives and many workers at the state oil company Pdvsa supporting the strike.
• The strike has led to supply shortages and long lines at gasoline stations, with Venezuela being the largest oil producer in Latin America and a key supplier of gasoline to the US.
• President Chavez has requested that the Brazilian tanker be allowed to remain in Venezuela to haul gasoline from refineries to Caracas.
• The Russian tanker loaded with 600,000 barrels of gasoline is expected to arrive in Venezuela soon.
• The Venezuelan leader has asked for additional fuel supplies from Brazil and other allies to alleviate pressure, and has also requested the formation of a joint venture between the Venezuelan and Brazilian state oil companies.
• President Chavez has expressed his intention to form a group of "Friends of Venezuela" to lead an international diplomatic effort to end the strike.
• The strike has been called by a coalition of business, labor, and retired military leaders, who demand Chavez's removal from office through institutional means.
• President Chavez's negotiating position has not changed, and he remains open to the possibility of a referendum in mid-August of this year.

Statistics:

• Oil production has dropped by up to 90% due to the strike.
• The strike affects 80% of Venezuela's exports.
• Pdvsa has implemented measures to conserve fuel and avoid shortages.
• The Venezuelan government has received oil shipments from Brazil, with a tanker carrying 520,000 barrels of gasoline arriving last week.
• The Russian tanker loaded with 600,000 barrels of gasoline is expected to arrive in Venezuela soon.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• The article is based on a news conference held by President Hugo Chavez, where he announced his intention to form a group of "Friends of Venezuela" to end the strike.
• The article also quotes spokespersons for President Lula da Silva and the Venezuelan government.
• The article refers to the Venezuelan Constitution, which provides for a referendum.
• The article mentions the opposition's proposal to limit their strike action, but not the oil industry.