Venezuelans stage marathon protest

The rally - intended to last 24 hours - was called in protest against a court decision to block a referendum on President Chavez's rule, which opponents say is dictatorial.

Venezuela, the world's fifth largest oil exporter, has been gripped by the eight-week strike, which has caused severe fuel and some food shortages.

President Chavez is refusing to step down, saying his opponents are being manipulated by Venezuela's wealthy elite.

At least six people have been killed in clashes between Mr Chavez's supporters and opponents since the strike began last December.

Devastating strike

The protesters have accused Mr Chavez of behaving like a dictator and mismanaging the economy and have called on him to resign or call early elections.

They flooded a four-kilometre stretch (2.5 miles) of the major highway, chanting "Until he goes!" and waving the national colours of the Venezuelan flag.

Many took tents and sleeping bags to stay overnight, while others carried folding chairs, portable television sets and radios.

They are protesting against last week's decision by the Supreme Court to postpone a referendum on Mr Chavez's rule scheduled on 2 February - six months before a binding popular vote is due.

The president's opponents had gathered the required two million signatures to press for the vote.

They strike, which started on 2 December, has almost paralysed Venezuela's oil industry.

But there have been signs that the government has made some headway in breaking the oil stoppage, with latest shipping data showing that oil exports have increased.

'Friendly' pressure

As the political crisis continues, Venezuela is coming under increasing pressure to reach a diplomatic solution.

On Friday, the six-nation Group of Friends agreed in Washington to send a high-level mission to Venezuela next week to try to find a compromise.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell told his colleagues from Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Portugal and Spain that Mr Chavez should either hold early elections or call a referendum on his leadership.

The peace proposals - presented by former US President Jimmy Carter - put forward two alternatives:

• either to let the country vote on a constitutional amendment that would allow early elections
• or to wait until August - half-way through Mr Chavez's mandated office - when the constitution allows for a binding referendum on the president's mandate

Correspondents say as Venezuela is a strategic supplier of fuel to the US, Washington is particularly keen to end the crisis.

But they say the latest demonstration shows that there is little immediate sign of a solution.