Chavez joins long list of critics of Obama's Nobel Peace Prize

Chavez believes Obama didn't make any notable accomplishments to merit winning the prize, saying that rather than promote peace the US president is continuing the warlike policies of predecessor George W Bush.

Chavez and Obama had a cordial first encounter at a summit in April, but the Venezuelan leader has become increasingly critical of Obama.

In a newspaper column, Chavez said the Norwegian Nobel committee "forgot about his determination to continue battles in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Chavez also criticised Obama for pursuing an agreement that would allow the US military to increase its presence at Colombian bases.

Venezuela says it’s reevaluating ties with neighboring Colombia over a looming agreement to expand the US military presence on Colombian soil. The US and Colombia are close to a deal that would authorize US use of at least three military bases. The ten-year deal would also extend the current arrangement allowing up to 1,400 US troops and military contractors inside Colombia.

The global reach of the US military today is unprecedented and unparalleled. Officially, more than 190,000 troops and 115,000 civilian employees are massed in approximately 900 military facilities in 46 countries and territories (the unofficial figure is far greater). The US military owns or rents 795,000 acres of land, with 26,000 buildings and structures, valued at $146bn (£89bn). The bases bristle with an inventory of weapons whose worth is measured in the trillions and whose killing power could wipe out all life on earth several times over.