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Fri Mar 11,10:06 PM ET |
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By FABIOLA SANCHEZ, Associated Press Writer
CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez defended Iran (news - web sites) on Friday in its dispute with the United States and Europe over its nuclear program, saying Iran has a right to atomic energy.
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Chavez, whose country is a leading U.S. oil supplier, announced his stance after meeting Iranian President Mohammad Khatami (news - web sites), who declared that both governments will stand "firm against any aggression."
"Iran has every right, like many other countries have done, to develop its atomic energy and continue its research in this field," Chavez said after top officials from both countries signed 20 cooperation agreements in areas from petrochemical projects to agriculture.
"Venezuela and Iran agree in firmly rejecting the imperialist policy of the United States."
Both countries face increasingly tense relations with the Bush administration, which has voiced concerns that Iran could be trying to acquire nuclear arms and has criticized what Chavez's opponents call a drift toward dictatorship. Iran insists its nuclear program is purely for energy uses, and Chavez has accused Washington of backing plots to oust him.
Speaking before Venezuela's congress, Khatami lamented "the injustice of the great powers that try to control the world." He said they include the United States and interfere "in other states under the precept of fighting terrorism and try to force all of humanity to follow their monopoly of power."
"What must be condemned are calls for violence, whether from terrorists or from aggressors with yearnings for domination," Khatami said.
U.S. officials said Friday they will support European diplomatic efforts to end Iran's alleged nuclear weapons ambitions by offering modest economic incentives. The European Union (news - web sites) also revealed it will back U.S. calls to refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council if it does not scrap programs linked to nuclear arms, such as uranium enrichment.
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