Venezuela orders exile's arrest

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A court in Venezuela has ordered the arrest of opposition leader Manuel Rosales, who fled to Peru after being charged with corruption.

Prosecutors asked Interpol to detain Mr Rosales, who failed to appear in court two days ago.

He had been in hiding since the charges were filed last month.

Meanwhile in an appearance on Venezuelan opposition television, Mr Rosales described President Hugo Chavez as a "coward" and a "little dictator".

Mr Rosales stepped down as mayor of Venezuela's second largest city, Maracaibo, after being charged with amassing illicit wealth.

Prosecutors say he cannot explain how he acquired $60,000 (£41,000) during his time as the governor of Zulia state.

Mr Rosales, who ran against Mr Chavez in the 2006 presidential election, claims he is suffering political persecution by President Chavez's government.

The authorities deny that he and other opposition figures are being politically persecuted and say any charges against them have been filed in accordance with the law.

Javier Valle-Riestra, a prominent Peruvian legislator who is representing Mr Rosales, said they had submitted an asylum request to Peruvian authorities on Tuesday and expected a decision within two months.