BY CHRISTINA HOAG AND NANCY SAN MARTIN

 CARACAS -- The nation's capital came to a near standstill Monday, with about 90 percent of businesses, schools, factories, shopping malls and private hospitals closed down in support of a national ``civic strike'' protesting President Hugo Chávez's recently enacted economic policies.

 ``It's a great success,'' said Carlos Fernández, first vice president of Fedecámaras, the country's largest business association. ``Everything is completely paralyzed.'' The 90 percent figure was reported by industry representatives and was not disputed by the government.

 But even as organizers of the 12-hour stoppage claimed a big victory, the populist president vowed to ``tighten the screws'' against his opponents.

 Calling the general strike ``immoral'' and ``cowardly,'' a military-fatigued Chávez declined to acknowledge apparent discontent among a large segment of the population who chose to stay home rather than go to work. Instead, he accused business and labor leaders of conspiring to destabilize the country.

 ``I will not take a single step backward,'' Chávez said during a fiery speech before thousands of supporters gathered at Plaza Caracas in the city's central district. ``I will not sell myself to blackmailers.''

 As Chávez supporters waved flags, set off booming firecrackers and chanted revolutionary slogans, residents across the city banged pots and pans out of their windows and balconies in an action that has become the hallmark of citizens' protests against Chávez.

 SHOUTING SLOGANS

 The sound, accompanied by ringing bells and other noise-making instruments, at times reached thunderous dimensions as people shouted ``Chávez get out!,'' ``Chávez leave already!'' and ``Viva Venezuela!''

 The raucous display of emotions set the stage for what will likely be tumultuous times ahead, analysts said.

 ``The president doesn't seem to be getting the message,'' said Robert Bottome, a political analyst in Caracas. ``How can you have a society where the president doesn't want to negotiate? It spells some kind of trouble because the other side is forced to harden its stance.''

 Strike organizers, who estimated a participation level of at least 80 percent in all 23 states across the nation, warned that if Chávez does not ``rectify'' a series of
 presidential decrees governing land, fishing and energy reserves, he will face even tougher challenges through acts of civil disobedience and court challenges.

 ``This is a wake-up call,'' said Julio Brazón, who represents the commerce and service industry. ``We are not fighting just for the present, but for the future of our country and of our children.''

 NEW LAWS

 The conflict stems from dozens of new laws, which business and labor leaders view as left-leaning and contend will discourage investment.

 The president's new land reform law requires farmers to conform to a government agricultural plan or risk having their land confiscated. The fishing law mandates that trawlers work at least six miles from the coast to make room for small fishermen. And a hydrocarbons law requires the state-owned oil company to hold a majority stake in all future joint ventures with private companies.

 The laws were passed under special powers held by the president that make it possible to bypass parliamentary debate. Strike organizers want Chávez to repeal some of the 49 decrees or submit them to debate in Congress.

 Government supporters, meanwhile, say the economic package is long overdue.

 ``We think it is one of the most advanced instruments implemented to protect us campesinos,'' said Adelaida Izaza, 57, a retired nurse who now lives off proceeds from the sale of herbal plants, yucca and corn in the eastern state of Monagas.

 BUSED IN

 ``Finally there is a measure that brings hope,'' said Izaza, who was among hundreds bused in to the capital. ``Finally there is something that we can hold on to, that
 reaches out to those who are marginalized.''

 In general, the strike and counter-protests were peaceful, although police had to resort to the use of water cannon to disperse Chávez supporters who attempted to
 surround the headquarters of the business association that called the strike.

 Large crowds were limited to Plaza Caracas and the headquarters of Fedecámaras in El Bosque neighborhood where military and police presence was high.

 Even though bus lines were partially operating and the subway system was in service, most of the city was virtually deserted all day. Highways normally filled with heavy traffic in the morning rush hour were empty. Trucks at the big Polar brewery stood idle. The normally packed parking lot of Makro, a super-size market in Petare, loomed large with none of the usual mass of traffic, and the warehouse store stood with darkened windows.

 The iron doors of the city's big shopping mall, Centro Sambil, which bills itself as being open 365 days a year, were shuttered. Private schools also closed, private
 hospitals only treated emergency cases, and two leading newspapers did not publish Monday editions.

 Similar situations were reported across Venezuela, including the major cities of Maracaibo and Barquisimeto.

 `A HUMBLE SOLDIER'

 Although the president last week sounded as if he may make concessions on the land law and other economic related legislation, the strike's success appeared to have hardened his attitude.

 Calling himself ``a humble soldier,'' Chávez held up a hoe in the air and promised landless supporters that they would soon have a plot of their own to harvest.

 He warned the ``oligarchy'' to watch themselves and keep tabs of their deeds because the government would immediately begin scrutinizing land titles ``to see if they
 really own the land.''

 ``I've ordered a pair of pliers so I can tighten the screws,'' he declared.

 In one of the most somber notes of his speech, Chávez referred to widespread speculation over his demise.

 ``They better be careful. They better not come looking for me because I am sure they will regret it for the rest of their lives,'' Chávez said. ``Heed my advice, oligarchy. This revolution is invincible and no one can stop it.''

                                    © 2001