MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chavez proclaims in London a “new left era” for Latinamerica

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez proclaimed in London the beginning of a “new era” in Latinamerica with a “major force block” of left wing governments such as Cuba, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina.

"Never before had Latinamerica conformed a block of countries which are grouping and defining a common course", said Chavez on Sunday, the first of his two days "private" visit to London.

"Each day we will be more", hailed Chavez on sending congratulations to "compañeros" (companions) Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Nestor Kirchner, presidents of Brazil and Argentina.

In a three hours speech before hundreds of followers in London, Chavez said that together with Lula da Silva and Kirchner, "a patriotic axis is being consolidated" in Latinamerica and "this liberating movement can't be stopped by anybody".

The Venezuelan president also praised his new ally in the region, Evo Morales from Bolivia, which has become the "geopolitical heart" of Latinamerica, and his great political mentor the Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

"Evo is Evo and his circumstances. The Cuban revolution is the Cuban revolution and its circumstances. But we are all pointing in the same direction", underlined Chavez.

The Venezuela president also charged against the "overdoses of neo-liberalism" which capitalist institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, IMF, have injected into the region.

"Socialism or barbarity, that's the dilemma, Socialism is the way", concluded Mr Chavez who advocated the building of "a new Socialist project" to stop the "perverse advance of savage capitalism" and thus "save the world".

During his speech at Camden Centre surrounded with Venezuelan flags, Mr. Chavez was joined by several left Labour personalities including London Mayor Ken Livingstone.

However President Chavez will not be received by Primer Minister Tony Blair at 10 Downing Street since London visit is "private", and "the Venezuelan government has not requested any meeting".

On Monday Mayor Livingstone will host lunch for Chavez and his delegation. The visiting president will also meet with union leaders, left Labour members of Parliament and will speak at "Canning House" which is known as Latinamerica's House in London.