About one million supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have marched in the capital, Caracas - the latest in a series of rallies for and against his government.

Sunday's march follows a protest by more than a million people earlier in the week calling for Mr Chavez to resign.

I challenge the opposition to bring the country to a standstill

President Hugo Chavez

Supporters from across the country walked through central Caracas, chanting slogans and wearing the red, yellow and blue colours of the national flag.

Others played music from loudspeakers and waved banners condemning those who sought to oust Mr Chavez in a failed coup six months ago.

"Chavez is here to stay, the opposition is wrong if they think they'll sack him again," one supporter told the Associated Press news agency.

Challenge issued

Mr Chavez told the rally that he rejected demands from trade unions and business leaders to resign from his post or call early elections, saying none would be held until 2006.

Chavez challenged his detractors to strike

He also issued a challenge to his opponents, who have threatened to call a strike if he does not call an early election by Wednesday.

"I challenge the opposition to bring the country to a standstill," Mr Chavez said in his speech.

"Let's see if you bring Venezuela to a standstill... You can call a strike whenever you want."

Venezuela's constitution does not provide for early elections, although it does allow a referendum to be be held halfway through the presidential term, which falls in August 2003.

Talks cancelled

The marches come only a few days after Mr Chavez claimed that another plot to force him from power by senior opposition political and military officials had been foiled by security officials.

A visit to Venezuela on Monday by the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, Cesar Gaviria, has been cancelled.

He had been expected to discuss his proposal for promoting a national debate to end the political crisis between the Venezuelan government and opposition.

The reason for the cancellation is not clear.