Reply #6: Bloomberg report: Chavez Warns Opponents Not to Destabilize Venezuela

[Judi Lynn]

Chavez Warns Opponents Not to Destabilize Venezuela (Update1)

By Peter Wilson

Nov. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned his opponents not to take actions aimed at destabilizing the country during next month's presidential election, or he will be forced to take ``drastic actions.''

The country's opposition, press and some businesses, including power and telephone companies, may be tempted to encourage disruptions during the election, Chavez, 52, said during a televised address from the tourist island of Margarita.

``I am warning them not to force me to take drastic actions because I won't hesitate to defend the sovereignty of the country,'' said Chavez. He gave no details.

Chavez said the country's opposition may seek to discredit the results of the Dec. 3 vote by calling fraud. Most polls show Chavez leading challenger Manuel Rosales by double-digits.

``Any television station that broadcasts a message of terrorism, hatred, war or makes a call to disavow the authorities, we have to shut it down,'' Chavez said. ``We are not going to allow them to fill Venezuela with blood again.''
(snip/...)

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=awgq.zF.FWoA&refer=latin_america