Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez called protesting oil workers as traitors sabotaging the country's oil-based economy and issued a decree to end food and gas shortages caused by a general strike.
"We must always be alert, ready to defend our revolution," Chavez told thousands of supporters late Wednesday at a Caracas arena. He said the strikers "have aligned themselves with treason," and he pledged to remain in power as long as Venezuelans want him there.
According to AP, Chavez ordered inspections of businesses to determine if any were hoarding goods such as milk, rice or medicines. Those doing so could be fined. His decree, dated Tuesday and published late Wednesday, cited threats to national security caused by shortages of essential goods. (Albawaba.com)
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