Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela, Feb. 9 -- The Venezuelan government sought to assure the country today that the military firmly supports President Hugo Chavez, despite
one officer's claims of widespread discontent.

Streets here in the capital were quiet as many residents prepared for a weeklong carnival. But there was tension after a high-ranking air force officer, Col. Pedro
Soto, called on civilians to oust Chavez and hold new elections.

"There's a feeling of suspense because no one knows what's going to happen," said Luis Gonzalez, a street vendor.

Soto said most of the armed forces resent Chavez's uncompromising style of governing and his verbal attacks on the news media. Thousands of people joined him
Thursday in Caracas for a protest that prompted the United States and the Organization of American States to express concern for Venezuelan democracy.

"The armed forces stand behind the president," National Assembly Vice President Rafael Simon Jimenez said today at the presidential palace.

Soto's superiors have described him as a disgruntled colonel passed over for promotion to general. He has until Monday to report to his superiors before officers are
dispatched to arrest him.

An officer who sided with Soto, National Guard Capt. Pedro Jose Flores, also was summoned to headquarters to face disciplinary action. The whereabouts of both
Soto and Flores were unknown.

OAS Secretary General Cesar Gaviria urged Soto to surrender, noting that Chavez was democratically elected in 1998 but adding that the international community
was watching to ensure Soto's rights were respected.

Gerardo Blyde, a legislator from the opposition Justice First party, said the spontaneous protests showed people are tired of Chavez's provocative rhetoric and
lengthy broadcasts of his activities, and want him to start governing.

                                               © 2002