Chavez Seeks Higher Opec Quota, Softens Political Rhetoric at Home

摘要

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is being treated for an unspecified cancer, seemed as ebullient as ever last week as he celebrated his 57th birthday. During a live broadcast of a cabinet meeting on Friday, he called for Venezuela to be given a higher Opec production quota. The president later spoke by telephone on state television, saying among other things that his supporters should try to end divisions within Venezuelan society, avoid overuse of the term “socialist” and involve the middle classes more in his plans for the country.