Chile: Take Firmer Stance on US
The Communist Party of Chile has demanded that President Ricardo Lagos make a stronger condemnation of US Condoleezza Rice´s call to create a common front against Venezuela.

In his news conference, PC Political Commission member Jorge Insunza asserted Rice´s remarks on the alleged danger posed by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez proved "US aggressiveness is mounting every day."

"Condoleezza Rice has become a very aggressive agitator of the worst form of dominion the US government strives to impose on a globalized world that must move conforming to its will," said Insulza.

The communist also said Rice sought to create an international front to isolate the government elected by the Palestinian people, similar to that she is attempting to create against Venezuela in the region.

Rice not only accused Chavez of attempting to remove democracy from neighboring nations, but also called for a united front, saying she had met with responsible leftwing administrations, such as those of Brazil and Chile.

Chilean President Ricardo Lagos denied he spoke with Rice on the issue, but admitted he had reviewed the Venezuelan situation with other officials from Latin America and Europe.