MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US calls on help to contain Venezuela's “destabilizing role”

The United States government asked Venezuela's neighbouring countries to take into account the “destabilizing role” the Caracas government is playing in the region.

Replying to a question about Venezuelan arms purchases, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Washington had "called attention to Venezuela's destabilizing role in the region".

"In the various reports and events ... whether it's buying arms ...or some of the people who have been taking refugee (there) ...we've seen that Venezuela ... is playing a destabilizing role".

President Bush administration openly objects to Venezuela's plans to purchase assault rifles and military helicopters from Russia as well as to the deal announced this week involving Spanish naval patrol vessels and transport aircraft.

Mr. Boucher also reiterated U.S. criticism of the Chavez administration domestic "populist" policies.

"We have looked carefully at developments inside Venezuela in terms of the difficulties created for the opposition, difficulties created for independent media, and therefore difficulties created for democracy in Venezuela. And we think all countries in the region need to be supportive of democracy", said the spokesman. "So, we've kept in touch with a number of countries in the region to press upon them these matters and to encourage all people in the region to work to persuade the Venezuelan government to change its policies" added Mr. Boucher.

Relations between Washington and Caracas have been strained since shortly after Hugo Chavez, a former paratrooper officer and failed coup plotter, was first elected president in late 1998.

Mr. Chavez a close friend and ally of Cuban leader Fidel Castro often attacks the Bush administration for alleged "imperialism" and war mongering and constant interference in Venezuelan politics.

The war of words has escalated in recent months, with U.S. officials offering almost daily criticism, and President Chavez and his aides accusing President Bush of plotting to overthrow and have him killed.