Near the end of 2002, Männil was forced to temporarily relocate to Costa Rica due to the Venezuelan general strike.

The first Venezuelan immigrants came to Canada in the 1960s, but more than half arrived after the Venezuelan general strike of 2002-2003.

Founded on 5 July 2002, it was involved in organising the Venezuelan general strike of 2002-2003 and the Venezuelan recall referendum, 2004.

After the 2002-2003 Venezuelan general strike, Puma TV suffered a severe economic crisis that resulted in a 60-day shut down in mid-2003.

Along with the related Mission Mercal, it was started following the Venezuelan general strike of 2002-2003, which saw concerns about corporate control of food distribution.

The aim of the Venezuelan general strike of 2002-2003 was to pressure Chávez into resigning and calling early elections.

The Bush administration, acknowledging the growing danger from the Venezuelan strike, has stepped up its efforts to calm the oil markets, lobbying major oil exporters to increase production.

"If the Venezuelan strike is still ongoing when we wake up Thursday, this will not be bearish for prices," Mr. Kilduff said.

CD became involved in organizing the Venezuelan general strike of 2002-2003.

However, the Coordinadora Democrática continued to pursue non-electoral means to overthrow the government, and was involved in organising the Venezuelan general strike of 2002-2003.