Chavez Gains Momentum, Pledges Support To Iran
Danielle George - All Headline News Staff Reporter Havana, Cuba (AHN) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez appears to be gaining momentum and political influence in the wake of the absence of Fidel Castro. Chavez made a moving address at the Nonaligned Movement Summit complete with Fidel's favorite slogan: "Homeland or Death, We will overcome!" The coalition which is now under the leadership of Cuba and its interim leader, Raul Castro, seemed to gravitate towards Chavez and his rallying speeches. In the "Group of 15" developing nations meeting, AP notes that Chavez pledged Venezuela's support for Iran if it is invaded because of its nuclear dispute with the U.N. Security Council. "Iran is under threat; there are plans to invade Iran. Hopefully it won't happen, but we are with you," Chavez told Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, according to the AP report. "Under any scenario, we are with you just like we are with Cuba," Chavez told Iran. "If the United States invades Cuba, blood will run. ... We will not have our arms crossed while bombs are falling in Havana or they carry Raul off in a plane." According to AP, Ahmadinejad told the assembly Friday that "Cuba's fight for liberation from imperialism has been a source of inspiration for the world's peoples," and Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the movement "will once again be in Cuba's very capable hands." The Nonaligned Movement boasts 118 mem |
