Iranian President Praises Venezuelan's Chavez July 30, 2006 1:30 p.m. EST
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent Tehran, Iran (AHN) - The leaders of Iran and Venezuela, shared their hatred of Washington and pledged to support one another in disputes with the U.S. Visiting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was described by his Iranian counterpart as "a brother and trench mate." The Associated Press says Chavez told Iran's Mahmoud Agmedinejad that his country would "stay by Iran at any time and under any condition." For his part, Ahmedinejad, said he saw in the Venezuelan president a kindred spirit. "I feel I have met a brother and trench mate after meeting Chavez." Chavez, a leading critic of the U.S., mentioned in his speech alleged assassination plots and efforts to oust him by Washington. He says he admires the Iranian president for "his wisdom and strength." He invited Iranian oil companies to invest in Venezuela. It was reported both countries are looking into a joint exploration for natural gas off the Venezuelan coast. The two nations are members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Iran is the world's No. 2 oil exporter and Venezuela No. 5. Chavez said, "We are with you and with Iran forever. As long as we remain united we will be able to defeat (U.S.) imperialism, but if we are divided they will push us aside." His two-day visit to Tehran comes at a time Iran is facing fresh international criticism for its nuclear program and open support for Hezbollah guerillas. [from http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004376921] -- Jim Devine / "These capitalists generally act harmoniously and in concert, to fleece the people." -- Abraham Lincoln
