31.   The official also said the administration felt deceived by Venezuelan military officials who claimed that Chavez had signed a resignation letter during the pre-dawn hours on Friday.

32.   They said Venezuelan officials objected to an autopsy scheduled to be conducted on the body by Jamaican pathologists, and were seeking to have the body flown home Saturday.

33.   Venezuelan officials acknowledge some abuses may have taken place, but they say most victims were killed during armed confrontations with security officers trying to restore order.

34.   Venezuelan officials evaded a crush of reporters kept far from the aircraft by a cordon of troops and soldiers.

35.   Venezuelan officials have said they plan to push for a jump in their production limit at the current OPEC meeting in Vienna.

36.   Venezuelan officials invited Carter last week, hoping to salvage reconciliation talks with opposition leaders.

37.   Venezuelan officials reportedly told other OPEC delegates Wednesday they were unable to pledge to extend output cutbacks introduced in June because of upcoming presidential elections.

38.   Venezuelan officials said they were unaware of any paramilitary presence.

39.   Venezuelan officials say the weapons are stolen by the FARC, whose units often operate across the border.

40.   Venezuelan officials were angry that Guyanese were mining illegally in Venezuelan territory.