Former allies urge Chavez to resign

A group of former allies of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has urged him to resign to save the country from steep decline.



Two former government ministers and other prominent former allies of Mr. Chavez have said in a statement that after 11 years in power, he lacks the legitimacy and capacity to govern.



They say Venezuela is getting poorer despite its oil wealth.



The statement, published by local media, also alleges that corruption is rife and public services are chaotic.