Merkel and Chavez disagree on Latin America (readable version)

Caracas, Venezuela, 12 May 2008.

During his weekly TVshow Aló Presidente on Sunday 11 May, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez rejected critics made by Chancellor Angela Merkel on his regional leadership during an interview with a German Newspaper. Chancellor Merkel stated that Chavez´ voice did not represent <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Latin America. She also said that Chavez could not affect the relations of the EU with other Latin American Countries. Finally and echoing previous requests made by Condoleeza Rice, Merkel asked other regional countries to distance themselves from Chavez. Such critics were made ahead of the Summit of Latin America and the EU to be held this week in Peru.

President Chavez fustigated Chancellor Merkel and linked her to Nazism. Chavez also expressed doubts over his attendance to the Summit. Nevertheless, he said he would not shut up.

In a quick response, the German government today expressed it had nothing more to add. Chavez comments on Merkel speak for themselves. Merkel is expected to attend the Summit in Lima and travel to Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.

Sources: VTV, Globovision,  Unionradio,