Student protesters clash with Chavez backers in CaracasMarch 22, 2013 - 12:23 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Student protesters marching to protest against Venezuela's electoral commission and government have clashed with supporters of the late president Hugo Chavez, Belfast Telegraph reported. Both sides threw bottles and rocks and scuffles broke out. It was unclear how many people had been injured, but a student leader said at least 10 people from his side had been hurt. About 300 students were marching through central Caracas when they encountered about 100 Chavez supporters, who began hurling rocks and bottles. The students returned the volley of objects, and fistfights broke out. Splinter groups of Chavez supporters tried to attack the students from side streets, but were repelled by plastic bullets and tear gas fired by police. At one point, about 100 students were trapped by Chavistas who had blocked streets from which they could exit. "The government activists have ambushed us," said student Vilcar Fernandez. "There wasn't any protection on the part of the security forces." The students were asking that the commission eliminate requirements that voters have their fingerprints recorded before voting. They were also demanding the government not interfere in politics ahead of an April 14 vote to replace Chavez. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |