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Cuba's Castro Says Venezuelan Chavez Speaks for Him--[Excerpt] The United Nations meeting will bring together some 50 heads of state, including President Bush and representatives from 100 other countries, who will seek ways to boost rich nations' funding of programs to help the poor.

Chavez, a 47-year-old former paratrooper who has strengthened oil-rich Venezuela's ties with Communist Cuba, has often praised Castro's socialist revolution and expressed similar anti-capitalist and "anti-imperialist" views.

Hailing the Venezuelan leader's "spirit and enthusiasm", the veteran Cuban president said Chavez would address the U.N. conference in Mexico as president of the Group of 77, which represents more than 130 developing countries.

"No other voice could be better than yours to defend the interests of the (Group of) 77. ... You will have the possibility of putting forward the point of view of the progressive people of the world," Castro added.[End Excerpt]

Chavez Followers, Foes Fight on Venezuelan Streets-[Excerpt] CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Supporters and opponents of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez clashed on Wednesday, fighting running street battles in a western city and skirmishing with fists, sticks and stones outside the presidential palace in Caracas.

Several people were hurt in the disturbances, which reflect growing political tensions in the world's fourth largest oil exporter, where left-wing populist Chavez is facing growing opposition to his three-year-old rule.

Fierce fighting broke out in Barquisimeto, 218 miles (351 km) west of Caracas, when followers of the outspoken president confronted members of Venezuela's Workers Confederation, or CTV, the country's largest trade union, which has spearheaded labor opposition to Chavez.[End Excerpt]