CARACAS - Two people were killed and 16 injured demonstrating for a referendum on ousting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, firefighters said, while the Group of 15 developing nations met here.
National Guard troops used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse some 30,000 of Chavez's political foes, who awaited news on whether Venezuela's electoral authorities will organize a recall referendum against Chavez, who was at the summit.
Television showed guardsmen -- on foot, motorbike and behind the crowd in armored cars -- arguing with demonstrators and then using tear gas to break up the rally. Some demonstrators hurled rocks at police who used riot shields to protect themselves. At least seven people were hurt, authorities said.
"We gave our signatures, now set the date," read protest banners demonstrators waved over their heads.
Venezuela's opposition leaders said they collected 3.6 million signatures seeking the referendum on a recall of Chavez. The constitution requires a minimum of 2.4 million valid signatures.
Chavez insists that not enough valid signatures have been collected, charging opponents with fraud, but former US president Jimmy Carter, an electoral observer, has said the electoral council guaranteed monitors access to the verification process.
Vice President Jose Rangel said three security agents were injured in clashes. He reiterated a charge that the opposition is seeking to oust Chavez at any cost.
Hundreds of Chavez backers in their distinctive red berets were allowed into the center where the summit was held despite a ban imposed by Interior Minister Lucas Rincon. The Chavez supporters were escorted by a National Guard tank.
Sharply divided Venezuela is awaiting word from the National Electoral Council (NEC) on whether a referendum will be held to cut short Chavez's term.
Washington on Wednesday called on Venezuela to respect the rights of citizens who signed a petition for a recall referendum after the NEC said it was scrutinizing more than a million signatures suspected of being forged.
The demonstrations turned violent as Chavez wrapped up a meeting with counterparts Nestor Kirchner of Argentina and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil.
"I hope that people will be able to settle ... all their problems peacefully and in democracy," Kirchner said.
Presidents Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Mohammad Khatami of Iran were also among leaders at the summit.
The G15 actually has 19 members including Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.
Mugabe told the opening it was time to rediscover the spirit of the founders the G15 and that developing countries were threatened by arrogant leaders of the industrialized world.
G15 host Chavez said European cows were better off than people in the developing world, arguing that every European cow gets 2.20 dollars a day in subsidies while 2.5 billion people in developing countries survive on under two dollars a day.
"What fortunate cows," Chavez quipped.
Venezuela's electoral council is reviewing 62 recall requests against Chavez and other elected officials and must hold a vote within three months of giving approval.
If a referendum is held and Chavez loses, the constitution calls for general elections within 30 days to choose a replacement.
If the vote is held and he wins, he would serve out his term through 2006. If no referendum is held, Chavez would still serve out his term.
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