Venezuela Strike On Day 17 Attracts More Travel Warnings *** CARACAS (Dow Jones)--An increasing number of countries have issued warnings against travel to Venezuela as a nationwide strike against President Hugo Chavez's leadership, which has all but shut the country's vital oil industry, entered its 17th day Wednesday with no sign of ending. Besides the U.S., which issued a travel advisory Dec. 10, the United Kingdom, Germany, Holland and Hungary are among countries that have told their citizens to avoid Venezuela due to the heightening tension and increasing potential for violence, according to reports. Many foreigners living in Venezuela are leaving, or have already left, as employers encourage them to start vacations early.
"We're not evacuating our staff, but have told anyone who wants to leave that they're free to do so, and have told anyone who had vacation plans to take them early ... there's nothing going on to keep them here anyway," an executive at a foreign oil company said on the condition of anonymity. Thousands of businesses remained shuttered Wednesday, as did the Caracas Stock Exchange, but supermarkets continued to operate during limited hours. Banks, too, are on strike, but have agreed to extend to six, from three, the number of hours they'll be open for business, local daily El Nacional reported. Banking officials couldn't be reached for comment. Currency trading was expected to continue at low volumes.
Opposition groups blocked highways across the country, beginning at 6 a.m. local time (1000 GMT), as part of their protest. Police have used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up fights between protesters and Chavez's supporters. There were media reports that diesel fuel has run out and that some restaurants that had been open since the strike began Dec. 2 have had to shut because they've run out of gas to cook with. ***
Putin speaks to Venezuelan President Chavez; top diplomat offers Russia's help to resolve crisis *** MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez can restore unity in his country, and a top Russian diplomat offered Moscow's help on Wednesday to resolve the government crisis in Venezuela. During a call initiated by Venezuela late Tuesday night, Putin said he hoped that Chavez would bring all sides together "in the interests of achieving a durable national accord and stabilization of the domestic situation," according to the Kremlin press office. Putin also said he supported a resolution to the crisis that was in line with Venezuela's constitution. ***