Syria cultivating strategic ties with Venezuela

World Tribune ^ | 1/17/2010 | World Tribune

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Syria has improved defense and energy relations with Venezuela. ShareThis

A report said the regime of President Bashar Assad has enhanced strategic ties with Venezuela over the last year. They said the improved relations with Caracas were coordinated with Iran, Syria's leading ally.

"Syria-Venezuela relations became closer after Hugo Chavez was elected president in 1998," the report by the Middle East Media and Research Institution said. "As part of his anti-American policy, Chavez tightened relations with countries such as Syria and Iran."

In a report by research fellow N. Mozes, MEMRI said Chavez supported Syria during an Arab and Western boycott of the Assad regime. In 2006, the report said, Chavez formed an alliance with both Assad and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad amid rising enmity by Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

"[This was] a declaration of a new world [alliance] awaited and needed by all humanity, [one] that declares that the peoples are again managing their own affairs and that resistance is not just a romantic slogan but also a living fact," the report quoted former Lebanese parliamentarian and Assad supporter Nasser Qandil as saying.

Titled "Syria Regains Pivotal Regional, International Role," the report said Venezuela helped Syria emerge from international isolation. The report, quoting Syrian leaders, deemed 2009 a watershed in Syrian diplomacy.

"For Syria, 2009 was a year of political success in every sense of the term, and on all fronts," Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Al Mualem said.

Western intelligence sources said Venezuela has become a key way-station for Iranian weapons deliveries to Hizbullah and Syria. They said Venezuela was also an option for energy supplies to the Assad regime.

[rbosque]

“Syria has improved defense and energy relations with Venezuela.”

Does this mean Syria is going to share some of their electricity?

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Things like oil,coal and LNG. Venezuela is a OPEC member.

[ETL]

From CBS-News, July 29, 2006:

Chavez Vows To 'Stand By Iran'
After Oil Talks In Tehran, Venezuelan Leader Called 'Brother' By Ahmedinejad

"Chavez pledged that his country would 'stay by Iran at any time and under any condition,' state television reported. Ahmadinejad said he saw in Chavez a kindred spirit." "'We do not have any limitation in cooperation,' Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying. 'Iran and Venezuela are next to each other and supporters of each other. Chavez is a source of a progressive and revolutionary current in South America and his stance in restricting imperialism is tangible.'":
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/29/world/main1847331.shtml

[SpaceBar]

“Strategic ties” aka Axis.

[cranked]

Syria is a strategic ally of Iran; Iran has a strategic relationship with Venezuela; now the circle is complete.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

I agree. The Axis of Evil

[FormerACLUmember]

The Scum of The Earth Alliance: The very worst nations on this planet line up together: Zimbabwe, N Korea, Syria, Iran, Cuba, and the former democracy of Venezuela.

[ETL]

Syria is a strategic ally of Iran; Iran has a strategic relationship with Venezuela; now the circle is complete.

Not quite.

http://article.wn.com/view/2009/06/16/Iran_president_visits_Russia_despite_protests/
______________________________________________________

From National Public Radio (NPR):
August 29, 2006
"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been visiting countries such as China, Iran and Russia as part of an effort to build a 'strategic alliance' of interests not beholden to the United States. He considers the United States his arch enemy.":
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5729764

[rbosque]

Too bad Venezuela can’t produce electricity from all those natural resources.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

I agree

[Cindy]

Previously...

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/statement-press-secretary-naming-robert-ford-us-ambassador-damascus

Home • Briefing Room • Statements & Releases

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release February 16, 2010
Statement by the Press Secretary on Naming Robert Ford as U.S. Ambassador to Damascus

“Ambassador Ford is a highly accomplished diplomat with many years of experience in the Middle East. His appointment represents President Obama’s commitment to use engagement to advance U.S. interests by improving communication with the Syrian government and people. If confirmed by the Senate, Ambassador Ford will engage the Syrian government on how we can enhance relations, while addressing areas of ongoing concern.”

[Cindy]

A Look at Iran http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html # SNIPPET from post no. 1:

"Western intelligence sources said Venezuela has become a key way-station for Iranian weapons deliveries to Hizbullah and Syria."

[Cindy]

http://www.truthusa.com/IRAN.html