Venezuela's government, supporters mark anniversary of 1992 coup attempt with Chavez absent

Supporters of President Hugo Chavez are holding demonstrations in Venezuela's capital to commemorate the anniversary of a failed coup attempt led by Chavez in 1992.

The president was absent for the first time from the annual demonstrations as crowds gathered for multiple marches wearing the red T-shirts of his socialist movement. Chavez remains in Cuba and hasn't spoken publicly in nearly two months since he underwent cancer surgery.

Chavez was a lieutenant colonel when he led the rebellion against then-President Carlos Andres Perez in 1992. Chavez was captured and imprisoned when the coup failed, and later was pardoned.

On Monday, army tanks rolled onto an avenue in western Caracas to commemorate soldiers' participation in the coup attempt.