Supporters of Chavez, opposition clash

CARACAS - Supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and of his presidential race rival clashed Wednesday in a northern state, attacking each other with stones, sticks and tear gas, media reported.

At least 14 people were injured, and a van with sound equipment from opposition group "Un Nuevo Tiempo" was set on fire, according to the reports.

Chavez supporters blocked a main road near Bartolome Salom Airport in Puerto Cabello in the northern state of Carabobo before a visit by opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles.

The fight broke out when the opposition supporters awaited the arrival of Capriles, 25 days before the presidential election, in which Chavez aims to get reelected.

Carabobo Governor Henrique Fernando Salas Feo told private TV channel Globovision that the pro-Chavez group blocked the access to the airport.

Salas said the federal government bore full responsibility for the airport's management and urged the National Guard to protect the residents.

Capriles arrived at Puerto Cabello in a speed boat as the road was blocked, and later visited Rancho Grande town, where his followers greeted him after the National Guard controlled the violent situation at the airport.

In a conference with local media, Capriles slammed the violence, saying it was meant to terrify the opposition supporters.

In his speech in Puerto Cabello, Capriles reiterated his plan to launch a government program within the first 100 days should he win the election.