Chavez Criticizes Sanctions On Iran

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is a supporter of the Iranian government

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has criticized international sanctions on Iran.

Chavez was speaking after talks with Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad who is on a visit to Venezuela.

Chavez said that Iran faces "obstacles imposed by imperialism, blockades, threats, unilateral sanctions."

Chavez also pledged Venezuelan support to Iran.

Iran is under UN sanctions and international embargoes on its oil sales over its refusal to curb its nuclear program.

Chavez has in the past defended Iran's nuclear program, backing Tehran's contention it is only for peaceful purposes, and not, as many in the West fear, a cover for a nuclear weapons program.
Based on reporting by AP and AFP