U.S. Demand for Support Called ‘Rather Harsh’

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez criticized the United States’ calls for unconditional support for its war on terrorism as “rather harsh” and said several Latin American presidents were worried about a possible escalation in violence.

As the United States massed its military for a possible assault on Afghanistan, Chavez, whose country is the second-largest supplier of oil to America, called for moderation to avoid “an escalation of violence that might lead us to a world war.”

While expressing support for the U.S. people and the need to bring those responsible for the attacks to justice, Chavez called “on those who make decisions in the world to be illuminated by the word of God, by justice and prudence.”