Chavez threatens to cut off oil to U.S.

CARACAS, Venezuela, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- President Hugo Chavez has threatened to cut the flow of Venezuelan oil to the United States if the "oligarchy" questions proposed constitutional changes.

Chavez made the threat during an address at a rally in Caracas Friday.

Venezuelans are to vote Sunday on changes in the Venezuelan political system -- including ending term limits for the president. Chavez told supporters his opponents would be "playing the empire's game" if the vote goes his way and they suggest it was fraudulent, CNN reported.

In his speech, Chavez denounced a list of enemies -- including King Juan Carlos of Spain, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, and Chavez's domestic critics -- but said President George W. Bush is his major opponent.

"We're not really confronting those peons of imperialism," Chavez said. "Our true enemy is called the North American empire, and ... we're going to give another knockout to Bush."

The referendum involves 69 proposed changes to the constitution. Thousands of people rallied in Caracas Thursday to oppose the changes.