VENEZUELA: Chavez looks for an 'axis of good'

Issue 

BY STUART MUNCKTON

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has answered right-wing commentators who have attacked Brazil's new president, the Workers' Party candidate, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with the claim that Brazil will, with Venezuela and Cuba, forge a new "axis of evil".

The accusations have linked more traditional "red-baiting", focusing on links between Lula and revolutionary Cuba, to the new bogey of terrorism, alleged links between Lula and various "terrorist" organisations from around the world.

Chavez, an outspoken critic of what he refers to as "savage capitalism", hailed Lula's victory and said he hoped to see an alliance between Cuba, Brazil and Venezuela aimed at fighting poverty. "An axis of evil?" Chavez said in an October 28 interview on his television program Hello President. "More like an 'axis of good' — good for the people, good for the future ... A new impulse of freedom is sweeping the continent again."

From Green Left Weekly, November 20, 2002.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.