The Secretary Genral of the OAS left Venezuela leaving behind a Mexican standoff between teh Government and the opposition. He will be back on Monday when he will mediate in talks between the two sides. Gaviria said before leaving that the two sides are not that far apart as they both agree a referendum is the solution and they just differ about when it will take place. Thus, it is likely he will concentrate on this point next week.Given that he arrives on the same day that the opposition will present the required signatures for a consulting referendum to take place, it will be interesting to hear what arguments are used.
Meanwhile the protest continued in Plaza Altamira, while Hugo Chavez held nationwide televised speech calling for a deepening of his revolution. Chavez sprinkled his speech generously with the words “coupster” and “facists” referring to his opponents and denied that his Government was powerless like the opposition says.
Thus, the two sides appear far appart and during the weekend they will each try to make it look like they have strong support. Given the festive atmosphere in Plaza Altamira, the country is likely to take a break from strong confrontation until Monday, but in Venezuela, you just never know what new surprise may just be around the corner….
The Devil's Excrement 
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