"...democratically elected president ... who seems to be systematically dismantling democracy..."
In the latest insult to U.S. policy, Chavez Tuesday said he would not recognize the new government in Haiti, set up with U.S. involvement, and invited ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide to Venezuela. The White House partly blames Aristide for Haiti's crisis and facilitated his departure last month.
Chavez, who survived a brief coup in 2002, has called President Bush "stupid" and accused the United States of plotting to overthrow him. He actively courts U.S. foes like Cuba and Iran.
Venezuela is the fourth largest supplier of crude oil to the United States and Washington has a big interest in having a stable and friendly government in the Latin American state.
For his actions to undermine democratic moves to oust him, Chavez could potentially face expulsion from the Organization of American States, under the regional body's Democratic Charter.
Pablo Bachelet/Reuters Mar.17.04
