The first miltary officer publically asked Chavez to step down. The day after this happened: (February 6, 2002)
U.S. Criticizes Venezuela President's Style -Colin Powell: "We have been concerned with some of the actions of Venezuelan President Chavez and his understanding of what a democratic system is all about. We have also gone to some of our friends in the region to suggest to President Chavez that there are perhaps better ways to ... deal with the challenges his country is facing."
I'm sure having Otto Reich in place (A President Bush recess appointment-- Christopher Dodd was blocking his hearing and vote as Assistant Secretary of the Western Hemisphere under Colin Powell) has been instrumental.