Iran–Venezuela relations

Politics of VenezuelaThe current presidents of Venezuela and Iran, President Hugo Chavez and President Ahmadinejad, respectively, have both described themselves on the world stage as opposed to US imperialism. Citing this commonality of opinion, they regard each other as allies, and they have embarked on a number of initiatives together. For example, on January 06 2007, the two announced that they would use some money from a previously-announced $2bn joint fund to invest in other countries that were "attempting to liberate themselves from the imperialist yoke", in Chavez's words. [ [http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-01-14-iran-venezuela_x.htm Iran and Venezuela plan anti-U.S. fund] , "USA Today", January 14, 2007]

History

On March 16, 2007, Chavez said in a television interview that he disagreed with President Ahmadinejad's alleged call to "wipe Israel off the map" (which is commonly seen as a mistranslation), saying "I don't support causing harm to any nation." [ [http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull&cid=1173879103152 Chavez opposes Ahmadinejad on Israel] , "Jerusalem Post", Mar 17, 2007] . (See also Israel-Venezuela relations.)

Chávez paid a two-day visit to Iran when the government faced international criticism for continuing its nuclear program and backing Hezbollah guerrillas. [FoxNews.com [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,206204,00.html Venezuela's Chavez, Iran's Ahmadinejad Pledge Mutual Support.] "Associated Press" (July 29, 2006).] On Chávez's birthday, July 28, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad presented Chávez with Iran's highest honor for "supporting Tehran in its nuclear standoff with the international community". [Karimi, Nasser. Yahoo News. [http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060731/ap_on_re_mi_ea/iran_venezuela Hugo Chavez receives Iran's highest honor.] "Associated Press" (July 30, 2006).]

Chávez pledged that Venezuela would "stay by Iran at any time and under any condition." Ahmedinejad called Chávez a kindred spirit. "I feel I have met a brother and trench mate after meeting Chávez." Chávez said he "admired the Iranian president for 'his wisdom and strength'," saying,"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". [Karimi, Nasser. [http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2006/07/29/1709518-ap.html Chavez, Ahmedinejad pledge mutual support.] "Canoe Network" (July 29, 2006).]

"Reuters" reported that Chávez told a crowd at the University of Tehran, "If the U.S. empire succeeds in consolidating its dominance, then the humankind has no future. Therefore, we have to save the humankind and put an end to the U.S. empire". The reports adds that Chávez slashed out at Israel and labeled the 2006 Lebanon offensive as "fascist and terrorist." Decorating Chávez with the "Higher Medal of the Islamic Republic of Iran", Ahmadinejad said, "Mr. Chávez is my brother, he is a friend of the Iranian nation and the people seeking freedom around the world. He works perpetually against the dominant system. He is a worker of God and servant of the people." [ [http://english.eluniversal.com/2006/07/31/en_pol_art_31A756133.shtml Chávez decorated in Iran; initials cooperation pacts.] "El Universal" (July 31, 2006).]

References