CARACAS, Feb 28: Two people were killed and 54 injured in clashes between supporters and opponents of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez as the Group of 15 developing nations met here.

National Guard troops used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse some 30,000 of Chavez's political foes, who awaited news on whether Venezuela's electoral authorities will organize a recall referendum against Chavez, who was at the summit.

Television showed guardsmen - on foot, motorbike and behind the crowd in armoured cars - arguing with demonstrators and then using tear gas to break up the rally. Some demonstrators hurled rocks at police who used riot shields to protect themselves.

By late Friday firefighters reported 54 people injured in the clashes, 25 of whom had gunshot wounds.

Venezuela's opposition leaders said they collected 3.6 million signatures seeking the referendum on a recall of Chavez. The constitution requires a minimum of 2.4 million valid signatures.

Chavez insists that not enough valid signatures have been collected, charging opponents with fraud, but former US president Jimmy Carter, an electoral observer, has said the electoral council guaranteed monitors access to the verification process.

Vice President Jose Rangel said three security agents were injured in clashes. He reiterated a charge that the opposition is seeking to oust Chavez at any cost.

Hundreds of Chavez backers in their distinctive red berets were allowed into the center where the summit was held despite a ban imposed by Interior Minister Lucas Rincon. The Chavez supporters were escorted by a National Guard tank.

Sharply divided Venezuela is awaiting word from the National Electoral Council (NEC) on whether a referendum will be held to cut short Chavez's term.

Washington on Wednesday called on Venezuela to respect the rights of citizens who signed a petition for a recall referendum after the NEC said it was scrutinizing more than a million signatures suspected of being forged.The demonstrations turned violent as Chavez wrapped up a meeting with counterparts Nestor Kirchner of Argentina and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil.

"I hope that people will be able to settle ... all their problems peacefully and in democracy," Kirchner said.

Presidents Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and Mohammad Khatami of Iran were also among leaders at the summit.

The G15 actually has 19 members including Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.-AFP