Chavez Says Arias Trying To Wind Applause in Washington
Venezuela's Hugo Chavez is emphatic that the closure of Alunasa - the Venezuelan aluminum plant in Costa Rica - is not politically motivated, but one of economics.

On national television, wearing his typical red shirt, Chavez told the live audience, who for the most part also wore red shirts, explained how economics played a key role in the plant closure and that he has nothing against Arias.

The Venezuelan leader, however, did say that he did not like Arias' comments of late, saying that there is a dictatorship in Venezuela and that all Arias, along with other Latin American leaders,  is looking for is to "try to win applause in Washington so they can get invited to the ranch in Texas," referring to President Bush's ranch in Crawford.

The plant shutdown means a loss of 400 jobs in Costa Rica, in the small town of Esparza, east of the Pacific port town of Puntarenas.

President Arias has yet to react publicly on the Chavez decision and comments. In statements earlier this month, Arias criticized Chavez's recently expanded power to govern by decree.

Chavez said this week that closing the plant was not political, but added that some Latin American leaders

Friday, Arias  said, "I have not picked on the Venezuelan Government or offended anyone," but he warned that he would not remain quiet because of "blackmail or fears.

Arias, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, told a Nicaraguan TV channel that he does not want to argue with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, who on Wednesday hinted that Arias was showing "servility" to the United States policies.

Chávez, who on Wednesday said that Arias "offended the Venezuelan people," was reacting to the strong criticisms the Nicaraguan President made to the Venezuelan ruler regarding the special powers bestowed upon Chávez by the National Assembly.

Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Stagno and Minister of the Presidency Rodrigo Arias - brother of President Arias -, rejected strongly Chávez' remarks, who suggested that President Arias was showing "servility" to the United States policies.

Both Rodrigo Arias and Stagno ruled out that the aluminum plant shut down is due to "technical" instead of "political" reasons, as stated Wednesday by Chávez.