Two die, dozens hurt in Venezuela protest

President Hugo Chavez said he would consider imposing martial law to quell Venezuela's internal crisis after two people died and dozens were wounded during a march aimed at ousting him.

Gunfire broke out on Friday during an opposition march on the headquarters of the armed forces, killing two people and injuring at least 78 others, but it was unclear who fired on the demonstrators. They had been confronted by hundreds of Chavez supporters, who threw rocks and bottles at security forces trying to keep the two sides apart. The national guard replied with tear gas and rubber bullets.

"I am obligated to protect the people. I am obligated to protect public order," Mr Chavez said. "If they force me to [decree martial law], I'd have to do it." But, he added, "so far, despite everything that has happened, there has been no need to apply any exceptional measures".

Daily street protests by Chavez opponents and supporters have been common since the opposition declared a general strike a month ago, crippling Venezuela's oil exports, in an attempt to oust the left-leaning president.