'Obama meddles in Venezuela term-limit vote'

VENEZUELA: President Hugo Chavez on Saturday accused Barack Obama of meddling in a referendum that could allow him to run for re-election indefinitely and ordered a crackdown on disorderly student protests against the upcoming vote.

In a speech to supporters, Chavez accused the U.S. president-elect of supporting the Venezuelan opposition and wanting to see him removed from office.

"He's said I'm an obstacle for progress in Latin America," Chavez said. "Therefore it must be removed, this obstacle, right?"

It was unclear what comments Chavez could be referring to. On Thursday, the top American official in Venezuela, Charge d'Affaires John Caulfield, said the U.S. would seek increased cooperation and "renewed dialogue" with the Chavez government under an Obama administration. Obama takes office Tuesday.

U.S.-Venezuela relations reached a low point in September when Chavez expelled the U.S. ambassador and recalled his envoy from Washington. But the socialist leader previously expressed hope for improved relations under a new administration, refraining from the confrontational language and insults he constantly hurled against President George W. Bush.

But Chavez said Saturday that Obama is following orders from the Pentagon. "If he doesn't obey the orders of the empire, they'll kill him," he said, without offering proof.

Meanwhile, Chavez said he became incensed after watching footage of students blocking a Caracas highway, burning trees and taunting police on Friday.

"Detain them - I am giving the order only once," he told Venezuela's security forces. "Throw lots of (tear) gas at them, and take them prisoner for me. If you don't, I'm going to go after the authorities responsible."

Caracas, Sunday, AP