One person has died and over 20 have been injured in Venezuela on the 50th day of a general strike against President Hugo Chavez.
Violence erupted during protests in the central state of Miranda, an estimated 40 kilometers south of the capital Caracas, according to the BBC.
Talks to resolve the crisis resumed on Monday, despite President Chavez's recent threat to quit the negotiations.
There are conflicting reports as to who opened fire on the crowd in Charavalle. Miranda state Governor Enrique Mendoza said supporters of the president attacked an opposition march in the area.
However, Raul Gonzalez, who was shot in the leg, said he and other Chavez supporters were blocking a road as opposition marchers approached and that both sides began hurling stones and bottles.
"I heard shots and fell down," Gonzalez said. "There were shots from all over. Everything was in confusion."
A civil defense official said a 29-year-old man died and many others suffered gunshot wounds. Two people were in critical condition.
Meanwhile, former US President Jimmy Carter met with government and opposition representatives on Monday in an attempt to break the deadlock between the two sides of Venezuela's political crisis. He also met the mediator of the talks, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, Cesar Gaviria.
"I have always hoped for a resolution, and I hope there will be one," Carter said after meeting President Chavez. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
