Chavez, Iran, and terrorism

Hugo Chavez visited Iran at the end of July, now for the fifth time, since he took the reins of power in Venezuela. Not coincidentally, his visit took place in the midst of the war between Israel and Iran’s proxy, the terrorist group Hezbollah. Less coincidental is the fact that during his visit in Iran, Chavez strongly condemned Israel’s military action in Lebanon, comparing it with the Holocaust and accusing Israel of "terrorism and fascism". At this point Venezuela withdrew his ambassador from Israel and suggested diplomatic relations may be terminated forever.

It is not exactly that Chavez condemned Israel for using "excessive force" or called for an "immediate cease- fire". The main message sent by Hugo Chavez is that in this conflict he supports Hezbollah. When I asked a Venezuelan diplomat not a long time ago if Hugo Chavez disagrees with the Iranian president that Israel must be "wiped off" the map, the diplomat answered me "I can only speak for myself. I strongly object to that statement" Then, I asked him if Chavez shares the same thoughts. The diplomats’ answer was "I do not know". This may be very significant. During this last visit to Iran, Chavez received a special award , the "medal for honor", in gratitude for Chavez’s support of Iran’s nuclear program and for having defied the international community.

NEWS:

• Venezuela: Sheehan, Chavez join to bash Bush, Iraq war.  Venezuela opens international bidding for offshore gas exploration.  Venezuela: Gazprom’s Venezuela deal alarms U.S.  Venezuela: Chavez to Visit Beijing
• Mexico leftists target foreign banks in protest.
• Brazil: Petrobras aims to produce in 2015 half of what Saudi Arabia does today.
• Argentina: Russia Negotiates Arms Sales to Argentina.
• Chile to Rejoin Andean Community Trade Bloc after 30 Years.
• Cuba Says Fidel Castro Is Recovering.
• Uruguay inks energy accord with Venezuela.
• Ortega Still Has the Lead in Nicaragua.
• ‘El Niño’ phenomenon approaching Peru again?
• Colombia: High alert for Uribe inauguration

Editor’s Note:

• CITGO’s owner – Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chávez

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