MEANWHILE IN VENEZUELA

CHAVEZ CALLS FOR "WORLD OFFENSIVE" AGAINST US IMPERIALISM

U.S. BLOCKS WEAPONS TO VENEZUELA

"In his speech, Chavez also accused the U.S. of plotting to block his government's arm deals, saying Venezuela will obtain arms, planes and ships regardless of U.S. attempts of hindrance."

ESPIONAGE SCANDAL ERUPTS AS U.S. DENIES RECRUITING SPIES

"A high-ranking Venezuelan army commander charged the U.S. Embassy on Thursday with trying to persuade a group of Venezuelan military officers to hand over state secrets to the Pentagon.

"...several low-ranking officers had been found passing state secrets to the U.S. Defense Department. They have found some links to the officials, that showed the U.S. Embassy was once again contacting and asking members of the armed forces for information,

"Ties between Venezuela and the United States have frayed since Chavez was elected in 1998 on promises to use the country's oil wealth to improve the lives of the impoverished majority".

CHAVEZ ACCUSES US EMBASSY STAFF OF SPYING FOR THE PENTAGON

CHAVEZ CALLS FOR DESTRUCTION OF U.S. EMPIRE

"Enough is enough. Down with the North American empire. We have to say, in the entire world, that this century we will bury the empire."