Jimmy Carter's Chavez Solution

Former President Jimmy Carter has proposed as a solution to the crisis in Venezuela a binding referendum on Hugo Chavez's presidency and a shortened presidential term, in exchange for his opponents ending their strike, which has now lasted 52 days.

On Friday the foreign ministers of the newly formed Friends of Venezuela group - the US, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Spain and Portugal - meet in Washington to make another attempt to break the deadlock.

The dispute brought another death on Monday: a man was shot dead and 15 others were injured when the president's supporters and opponents clashed in Charallave, 20 miles from the capital Caracas.

The former president's Carter Centre has been assisting the negotiations in Venezuela for some weeks. Mr Carter's arrival in the country earlier this week was seen as a sign that a compromise might be within reach.

He proposes a referendum in August which would end Mr Chavez's presidency if it went against him. Mr Chavez has always said that he was prepared to submit to a referendum, which is allowed by the constitution.

His opponents say the country cannot wait that long and have been pressing for a vote on February 3.

The other part of the Carter plan is to shorten the presidential term from six years to four. Mr Chavez, three years in office, has said he would accept that if the electorate and congress agreed.

Before leaving Venezuela Mr Carter was hopeful about the reception his plan has received. "My opinion is that both sides want to end an impasse that is destroying the economy," he said.