Chavez supporters, opponents hold rallies

[Nambe]

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)

A week before a recall referendum on President Hugo Chavez's rule, supporters and opponents of the Venezuelan leader held massive events in Caracas, each side confident of victory in the emotionally-charged election. ..

Tens of thousands of Chavez's followers, clad in red, marched with signs saying "No" to the recall and "Ahead with the Revolution," celebrating what they say is a sure win on the August 15 vote.

A Chavez ally, Caracas Mayor Freddy Bernal, estimated that 900,000 people took part in the march, declaring to reporters that "the opposition is dead and we will bury it." Caracas fire chief Rodolfo Briceno said only that the crowd size was "well over 100,000."

Chavez spoke to the crowd, saying that a victory next Sunday would be a home run which would "fall on the gardens of the White House." ..