Pro-Chavez students demonstrate in Venezuela

By RACHEL JONES, Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela – Hundreds of students marched Wednesday in support of President Hugo Chavez's proposal to eliminate term limits — a day after police clashed with students opposed to the measure.

The red-clad supporters, many of whom arrived on government buses, marched from a state university to a downtown plaza, urging Venezuelans to approve a Feb. 15 referendum that would let Chavez and other public officials run for re-election indefinitely.

The leftist leader is currently barred under the constitution from seeking another term in 2012.

Medical student Damaseliana Vargas, 30, said Chavez has helped her and other low-income families, and she fears the support would go away if he is termed out.

"Studying medicine was too expensive before," said Vargas, who attends school through a government social program.

Police used tear gas, plastic bullets and a water cannon Tuesday to disperse the opposition protesters. Chavez has mocked those protests and urged police to break up marches if they turn violent.

Caracas Police Chief Carlos Meza told state television that authorities found bottles and gasoline inside a sound truck used by the students, alleging that they planned to make Molotov cocktails. He said its driver was detained.

But opposition student leaders accused Meza on Wednesday of planting the items, showing a video of Meza filling bottles with a liquid resembling gasoline inside the truck.

Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami denied police planted the materials, and the government said that the video had been manipulated.

Information Minister Jesse Chacon said Meza had been demonstrating for the cameras how Molotov cocktails were made.

In Venezuela's western Lara state, students also demonstrated to show support for Chavez.