Thursday, 14 September, 2000, 21:34 GMT 22:34 UK Venezuelan indians down pylons in Amazon

Native indians in Venezuela have demolished several electricity pylons in an attempt to halt a project to build high-voltage power lines through the Amazon rainforest.

Officials said seven pylons had been brought down by indian activists, who object to the project on environmental grounds.

The project cuts throught Canaima National Park -- the country's top tourist destination, which is home to the world's highest waterfall and virgin rainforest.

The development has been held up once before by similar action.

Last month, the Venezuelan president, Hugo Chavez, warned the indians they would face prosecution if they knocked down any more pylons. He said Venezuela was under obligation to complete the power line in order to supply electricity to Brazil.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/americas/newsid_925000/925528.stm

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), September 14, 2000