NAM voices support for embattled Venezuelan president
KUALA LUMPUR (AP) - Despite cancelling his appearance, beleaguered Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez scored a diplomatic victory at a summit Tuesday when the 116 mostly developing countries voiced support for his government.
The final draft declaration of the Non-Alignment Movement, to be adopted by leaders before closing their summit later Tuesday, expressed "support to the government of Hugo Chavez Frias, elected democratically with the support of the majority of votes."
It also urged Chavez's government and the opposition to seek a "just solution" to the crisis in his country, where two powerful explosions rocked the capital early Tuesday.
When summit preparations started last week, Chavez's political opponents were taking to the streets to protest the arrest of the leader of an unsuccessful two-month strike to force early elections. The strike devastated Venezuela's economy and deepened polarisation over the leftist president's rule.
Chavez foes accuse him of being undemocratic and alienating investment. Chavez calls his opposition an "oligarchy" thwarting his efforts to end social injustice.
Addressing the summit's closing ceremony, Foreign Minister Roy Chaderton thanked non-aligned leaders for their "words of support."