Da: "Nello Margiotta" A: Cc: "Mario Neri" Oggetto: Fw: Revolution imminent in Venezuela??? Data: mercoledì 9 ottobre 2002 15.00 ----- Original Message ----- From: "grok" Subject: Revolution imminent in Venezuela??? Date: 08 Oct 2002 16:26:04 -0700 Military Coup Attempt Imminent in Venezuela A military coup attempt against Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is imminent, according to STRATFOR sources in Caracas and the United States. The attempt could be launched within days or even hours. The Chavez regime already has deployed hundreds of soldiers throughout Caracas. The government also has begun conducting raids on the homes of politicians and military officers suspected of direct involvement in the plot. Interior and Justice Minister Diosdado Cabello said Oct. 8 that the deployment of soldiers and light armored vehicles throughout Caracas since late Oct. 5 is necessary to "defend the constitution" and prevent the opposition from blocking main roads and highways if a coup is attempted. Sources in the Chavez regime are confident that the government has the firepower to suppress a rebellion, but opposition sources with direct knowledge of coup preparations say that the regime's military opponents have the capability to neutralize Chavez's supporters inside the armed forces. Confirmation of an imminent effort to oust Chavez comes less than 48 hours before a planned Oct. 10 protest march in Caracas. Some opposition groups predict the march will attract between 600,000 and 1 million people demanding Chavez's resignation and new national elections. Opposition business and labor groups also have agreed to a one- day national work stoppage against Chavez, most likely during the first week of November. Chavez has said repeatedly during the past two weeks that the Oct. 10 march is part of a conspiracy to topple him. Simultaneously, the government has unleashed an escalating campaign of harassment and intimidation against political opponents. The Chavez regime also is warning that violence is likely at the march in an effort to discourage people from taking part. Meanwhile, dozens of business owners have been flooded with anonymous telephoned death threats and warnings that their companies could be looted and burned if they allow their workers to march against Chavez or if they shut down their companies to protest the regime, according to sources at two business associations in Caracas, including one that represents foreign companies operating in Venezuela.