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. -News for Fri. 12 April to Mon. 15 April 2002

Reports: Cabello Assumes Venezuelan Presidency


VOA News
14 Apr 2002 03:42 UTC
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AP Photo
AP
Diosdado Cabello
File photo 
Reports from Venezuela say the country's interim president, Pedro Carmona, has resigned, one day after taking power. Vice President Diosdado Cabello has taken over the office of the presidency.

 Details are still sketchy, but according to reports from the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, Mr. Cabello said he is assuming the presidency temporarily, until the return of ousted President Hugo Chavez.

 In an address on Venezuelan radio, Mr. Carmona quit late Saturday following a day of unrest by supporters of Mr. Chavez. One report says Mr. Carmona and his staff were arrested immediately after his resignation speech.

 Earlier, tens of thousands of pro-Chavez demonstrators and troops loyal to the ousted leader took control of the vacant Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas.

 Venezuela's top military officers forced Mr. Chavez to resign on Friday after the president used force against unarmed anti-government protesters in Caracas. The violence killed at least 14 people and left more than 200 wounded.

 Mr. Chavez was arrested after his resignation and was taken to a military base. There are conflicting reports about his current whereabouts.

 Meanwhile, Caracas Radio says General Lucas Rincon has been reinstated as the head of Venezuela's armed forces, the position he held under President Chavez.
 
 

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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