Venezuela: Opposition leader faces charges

CARACAS, Venezuela, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- The Venezuela government has leveled corruption allegations against one of the country's leading opposition leaders.

Manuel Rosales, a governor of Venezuela's Zulia state, is accused of misappropriating public funds and other corruption charges, Globovision reported Wednesday. He is to answer to the charges this month.

Rosales, who ran for president in 2006, said he is innocent of the charges and was being persecuted by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Chavez announced this week he would like a constitutional referendum allowing him to seek a third term in office when his current term expires in 2012.