Venezuela Seeks Chile's Support For UNSC Seat
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Ali Rodriguez said Venezuela wants Chile to support its bid for the United Nations Security Council seat, a Chilean newspaper reported Thursday.

"As we do for all our good friends, we hope for Chile's support," the El Mercurio newspaper quoted Rodriguez as saying. Guatemala and Venezuela are competing for the two-year position on the council.

Rodriguez said it would not affect Chile-Venezuela relations if Chile does not vote for Venezuela.

"We have an excellent relationship and a deep respect for (Chile's) President Michelle Bachelet," Rodriguez said, adding that the two countries also had historical ties and a shared interest in regional economic integration.

"We wish Bachelet the greatest of success and respect in any decision she makes," he said.

Rodriguez said that Caracas had not formally asked for Chile's support, but recalled that Caracas had supported Chile's Jose Miguel Insulza to win the post of secretary general of the Organization of American States.

Bachelet said publicly on Wednesday that Chile would make a decision with respect to its own interests, after former Foreign Minister Soledad Alvear, a senator in Bachelet's Democratic Parties Alliance, proposed that the government deny Venezuela support.

Also on Thursday, Rodriguez censured a statement issued by the United States criticizing countries that sign agreements with Venezuela.

The foreign minister said that the deals signed by Venezuela aim to help the citizens of other countries, while the United States only seeks to deepen poverty with its neo-liberal policies.