Leftist+sentiment+cemented+in+Latin+America,+The+Star



=**Leftist sentiment cemented in Latin America**=


 * The Star, Johannesburg, January 5, 2006**

Caracas - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has promised Bolivian president-elect Evo Morales fuel, economic co-operation and his backing for coca leaf farmers. His aim is to seal ties between the socialist allies.

Chavez and Morales, a former coca leaf farmer, have antagonised the US government with their alliance with Cuba and promotion of leftist integration to counter US free-market policies in Latin America.

Chavez said yesterday Venezuela would supply 150 000 barrels a month of diesel fuel in exchange for farm products, provide about R200-million in financing for social programmes and support Morales' crusade to protect coca crops against US eradication campaigns.

"We can't lose a day in supporting Bolivia in any way we can," Chavez said at a media conference where he presented Morales with a replica of the sword used by Venezuelan liberation hero Simon Bolivar.

Morales is the latest leftist to sweep to power on the back of regional discontent with US-backed economic policies. He stopped in Venezuela as part of a world tour that includes Spain, France, Brazil, China and South Africa.

The Bolivian leader has rejected charges from foes that he received financing from Chavez, whom Washington accuses of destabilising the region by using Venezuela's oil wealth to spread his socialist revolution.

"This is not about Evo Morales; this is about the people who are reclaiming their rights," the Bolivian leader said.

Morales is the first Indian president of South America's poorest country. But he faces a nation deeply divided between a poor Indian majority in the Altiplano mountains and rich eastern areas demanding more independence.

Morales, who herded llamas as a boy in his poor mountain home, calls his socialist movement a "nightmare" for Washington, has criticised US anti-drug policies and promised to nationalise Bolivia's gas resources.

He has long campaigned for coca leaf production by Indians, who celebrate the plant as part of their culture. But US officials fear that increased coca production will lead to a growing output of cocaine. – Reuters

From: http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=132&fArticleId=3054021