Chavez’s call to arms – always

CARACAS – Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez said yesterday that members of the civilian militia should be issued weapons to be armed and ready at all times.
The Bolivarian Militia is a force of volunteers ranging from students to retirees formed in recent years by Chavez, who said it was a crucial component of the nation’s defences.
Members of the militia train at weekend boot camps, but their guns are usually locked away in military depots when not in use. (AP)