Jet Setting
Hugo Chavez is planning a little jaunt to see a good buddy. No, not Cindy Sheehan. He's jetting over to see his new best friend, Kim Jong Il in North Korea. It is being reported that Chavez is seeking an arms for oil trade deal with the North Korean Government.
During Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il in late July, the two countries are also expected to craft an oil-for-arms deal.
Venezuela's leader is most likely to fly to Pyongyang at the end of July on the occasion of his planned trip to Russia on July 25. Chavez told reporters that he plans to discuss science and technology cooperation with the North.
Analysts in Seoul say Kim and Chavez would mainly discuss forming a "strategic alliance" against the United States.
Ties between the two nations have been warming. Last September, Yang Hyoung-Sup, deputy head of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, traveled to Venezuela, followed by an economic delegation's visit in November led by Trade Minister Rim Kyong-Man.
Venezuela set up its first-ever permanent ambassadorial post in Pyongyang in April, 32 years after bilateral ties were forged in 1974.
Venezuela's Foreign Ministry delegation traveled to the North in May. "North Korea is expected to establish its embassy in Venezuela in the near future," a diplomatic source said.
Chavez, who has promised a socialist revolution to end poverty in his country, is forging alliances with such U.S. foes as Cuba, Iran, North Korea and some African countries.
Since Chavez took office, the leftist government has been working to move away from the U.S. "shadow" and sell its oil in exchange for a military build up. Chavez was first elected president in 1998 and was re-elected in 2000.
This behavior is a direct result of the show of internal disarray in the United States coupled with the suicidal behavior of the ruling elites in Europe. The old evil is on the rise again.
Civilization, World news | Gaius Thursday, 6 July , 2006
