Chavez extends Easter holiday

President Hugo Chavez has added three days to Venezuela\'s Easter holiday to deal with a growing energy crisis.



The move, which will close government and public offices means most Venezuelans will have a seven-day break starting on April 1.



Mr. Chavez says the aim of the measure is not to encourage laziness, but to save energy.



Caracas says a drought has dropped water reserves at Venezuela\'s main hydroelectric dam to critical levels.



The opposition says lack of investment and inefficiency in the energy sector have contributed to the crisis.



Many business leaders have warned that industrial production could be disrupted.



Mr. Chavez has rejected these claims, accusing his critics of exaggerating the crisis or even planning to sabotage the power grid ahead of parliamentary elections planned for September.