(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-06 11:28

CARACAS-- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced Wednesday he will press on with reforms following a narrow defeat in the weekend referendum over his constitutional reform.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez holds copies of country's constitution (R) and his proposed changes during a news conference at Miraflores Palace in Caracas December 3, 2007. [Agencies]

In a press conference held at Miraflores Palace's Simon Bolivarhall, Chavez said those opposing constitutional changes should get ready as "the second reform offensive is on its way."

The next round of reform proposals could be identical to those presented in the Sunday referendum, or with some changes and more streamlined, he said.

A woman casts her vote at a polling station in Caracas, capital of Venezula, Dec. 2, 2007. Venezuela held a referendum on Sunday to decide whether to change 69 of the constitution's 350 articles. [Xinhua]

Those who obtained a "pyrrhic victory" in Sunday's referendum will have to accept their forthcoming defeat in the next popular referendum on the constitutional reform, he added.

"We are going to win the next referendum, we will see if they accept our victory. They do not have a chance against us, nor the people and the soldiers." Chavez said.

Chavez thanked those who supported him in Sunday's referendum and congratulated the National Guard and the Army for having everything under control during the referendum.

The president said he will continue to build socialism, despite the referendum's defeat.

Chavez put forward 69 constitutional reforms to Sunday's referendum. Around 51 percent voted against the measures and 48.9 percent voted in favor.

Key reforms included extending the presidential term to seven years from six, allowing indefinite reelection and removing the Central Bank's autonomy.