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Thousands march in Venezuela's capital

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-24 15:42
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Thousands march in Venezuela's capital
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (C) waves to supporters as he arrives at a rally in Caracas on January 23, 2010. [Agencies] 

CARACAS: Thousands of demonstrators supporting or opposing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez took to the streets of Caracas on Saturday as the country commemorated the 52nd anniversary of the end of military rule.

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The demonstrations also came as the campaign for parliamentary elections at the end of 2010 began. The official campaign, however, will start on April 14.

Chavez supporters gathered outside the state-run telephone company CANTV, Sucre Square and Nueva Granada Avenue and began to march toward  O'Leay Square in central Caracas at midday.

Meanwhile, opposition supporters gathered at several locations in west Caracas and marched toward Petare before midday.

More than 5,500 police were watching over the marches. There has been no report of violence so far.

Thousands march in Venezuela's capital
Opponents of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez take part in a rally in Caracas January 23, 2010. Sign reads "Chavez, you are striked out." [Agencies]
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