Venezuela supported decision of Russia to recognise the Caucasian republics
August 30, 2008
The question was also asked by Venezuelans themselves. Chavez was not in a hurry with his voice of support. And it is well justified! The issue must be studied, as separatism can be of different nature. Opposed to Chavez circles instigated by the USA would not mind to cut from Venezuela oilfields along the border with Colombia. The same way, as in former times, they cut present Panama with its strategically significant Canal from Colombia. Bolivian opposition is also playing separatist games that are no less dangerous.
However, when the Caucasian situation became clear to Chavez, he does not spare his time to explain its compatriots as well as other Latin Americans: responsibility for the war, unleashed in South Ossetia, is borne by the USA, «which imagined themselves to be owners of the whole world, and Russia proved that it was not the case».
The Venezuelan leader opines that Washington seeks to weaken the positions of Russia and «block its froward movement». Imperialism tries to impose war on the whole world and Saakashvili is «just a US pawn», stresses Chavez.
In the latest Sunday TV program «Alo Presidente!» Hugo Chavez said that he called Vladimir Putin and supported Russia in the conflict in the Caucasus: «We are with Russia!» Chavez definitely considers the US actions as «aggression» with the purpose to «surround» Russia and «minimize» its influence in the region.
President of Venezuela was one of the first to support the Moscow decision to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Earlier it was done by Belarus.
«Russia has recognised the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. We support Russia. Russia is right and defends its interests. We would have done the same», Chavez said in his TV address from the territory of oilfield in Orinoco. «The present Russia is not the Russia of Yeltsin and Perestroika times,... when a mandate to imperialism was given», marked Chavez.