Chavez Proposes Major Agreements to Panama
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday that major agreements can be reached with Panama in the energy field, including the construction of a refinery to mitigate the problem caused by high oil prices.

Speaking at the Bolivar Palace, the current headquarters of the Panamanian Foreign Ministry, Chavez noted that this possibility would also benefit all vessels going through the Panama Canal.

The Venezuelan statesman added that an alternative may be the implementation and modernization of an oil pipe whose construction began during General Omar Torrijos´ government and which could be used to export Venezuelan oil to Asia.

Chavez also spoke about the construction of a gas pipe that would benefit all Central American countries. He pointed out that integration of all Latin American nations is the way to development in the continent.

He thanked President Martin Torrijos for the invitation to visit Panama on the 180th anniversary of the Anfictionic Congress, and noted that the implementation of major agreements must be sped up to make up for the lost time.

Chavez arrived in Panama City on Thursday morning for a one-day visit that will conclude on Friday, after fulfilling a tight working schedule.