Chavez Commandeers Civilians` Vehicles

The Reuter reported on the 20th that Since the Venezuelan General Strike asking the resignation of the President Hugo Chavez and early Presidential Election is entering the 19th day, shortage of fuels and daily necessities were getting severe.

Since the production of oil is reduced by more than 93%, 70% of gas stations around the Capitol Karakas area are out of gas and daily necessities such as milk, bread, and medical supplies are short; therefore, monopolizing the goods is continued everywhere. If the standing face to face between the Chavez Government and the antigovernment party is getting deeper, the worst like bloodshed riot is being expected.

The President Chavez declared an urgent Presidential decree to commandeer civilians` vehicles, ships, and airplanes, and he denied the Supreme Court`s decision to return the Command of the Police Force to the popularly elected Mayor and the Chief of the Police.

The anti-Chavez party also ignored the Supreme Court`s order to stop the oil industry strike until the final decision of the court and said, “The General Strike will go on until Chavez yields to the demand of the people.” The Small Business Federation announced on the 19th that the econmic loss of Venezuela due to the General Strike would be up to 5 billion dollars.

Hye-Yoon Park parkhyey@donga.com