Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said he will not renew the licence for the country’s second largest TV channel which he says expires in March 2007.

In an address to troops, Mr Chavez said he would not tolerate media outlets working towards a coup against him.

Radio Caracas Television, which is aligned with the opposition, supported a strike against Mr Chavez in 2003.

But the TV’s head said there must be some mistake as its licence was not up for renewal in the near future.

Marcel Granier also vowed to fight against the president’s plans in Venezuela’s courts and on the international stage.

There will be no new operating licence for this coupist TV channel - the measure has been drafted so go turn off the equipment

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Cindy Sheehan’s favorite despot won’t allow freedom of speech?  Say it ain’t so!