Security tight for Opec summit

Final touches before the arrival of Opec ministers

Thousands of troops and police have been deployed in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, ahead of a summit meeting of leaders of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Opec, later this week.

Ministers have already started gathering in Venezuela for the cartel's first heads of state summit in 25 years, which has been called to mark its 40th anniversary.

The organisation has been coming under intense pressure recently to help lower oil prices by increasing output as Western governments face protests over the high price of fuel.

Heavily armed soldiers are patrolling Caracus's streets

But our correspondent says there is a mood of unity and defiance with summit host President Hugo Chavez expected to call for what he regards as fair prices for oil-producing nations and consumers.

In a televised address to the nation, Mr Chavez said the industrialised world had grown rich on the cheap oil from producing nations.

US intervention

Oil prices dropped on Monday after President Bill Clinton announced last week he was releasing part of the United States' strategic reserves in an attempt to help offset the current high oil prices.

Oil workers have threatened protests

One of the key Opec oil ministers, Saudi Arabia's Ali al-Naimi, said on his arrival in Caracus that the American move would help "stabilise the price of oil".

But early figures on Tuesday showed prices resuming their upward journey. gaining 20 cents a barrel by midday in Asian markets to $31.77.

Security measures

Venezuela is expected to spend more than $10m on the summit, much of it going on security.

About 3,000 security personnel are being deployed to protect the heads of state and their entourages.

The Saudi Arabian party alone is about 300 strong, and will travel the 25km (16 miles) from the airport in three separate convoys to minimise security risks.

Security officials say most of the other delegations will use helicopters to reach their hotels.