Chavez talks peace but warns U.S. over oil supplies

CARACAS, Venezuela, March 7 (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez urged his foes on Sunday to peacefully seek a referendum against him and he warned Washington to stop backing anti-government protests he said could affect oil supplies to the United States.

In a rambling five-hour broadcast that mixed threats with appeals, the left-wing leader said he regretted the deaths of at least eight people in the recent street protests by opponents demanding that he submit to a recall vote.

He once again accused U.S. President George W. Bush's government of financing efforts to oust him and recalled that Venezuela, the world's No. 5 oil exporter, was traditionally a leading supplier of oil to the U.S. market.

"So what is it this (U.S.) government is trying to do? Destabilize its secure (oil) supplier?" Chavez asked during his weekly "Hello President" television and radio show.

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