Iran Condemns U.S. Intervention In Venezuela's Affairs

Iran Condemns US Intervention in Venezuela's Affairs

http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8503010588

5/23/2006

TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi Monday strongly condemned the United States' threats and interventionist policies towards Venezuela.

According to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry's Information and Press Bureau, Asefi viewed US naval maneuvers in the Caribbean Sea an indication of Washington's pressure and bullying attitude towards Venezuelan government and the independent policies of President Hugo Chavez.

He further assessed any tension dangerous to the region and a cause of arm race among Latin American states.

The Spokesman condemned the United Sates' increasing threats against the Venezuelan government and nation and Washington's arms embargo against Caracas and further voiced Islamic Republic's solidarity and support for the Venezuelan government in dealing with the bullying policies of the US.

Asefi also stated that the US is making an instrumental and political use of such terminologies as democracy, human rights, campaign against terrorism and drugs in a bid to pressurize independent states, particularly those enjoying rich oil and energy resources, so as to force them to accept its oppressive and arrogant policies.

The spokesman also voiced Iran's support for the Venezuelan government in its efforts for practicing sovereignty over its oil resources and interests and adopting economic policies in compliance with its national interests.

Elsewhere, Asefi viewed as successful the farsighted efforts made during the recent years by Hugo Chavez and other pioneering leaders for the achievement of convergence in Latin America and concluded that such strategies would accelerate South-South cooperation and development in Latin America, the south-continental states in particular.