(CNSNews.com) - Hugo Chavez, the virulently anti-U.S. president of Venezuela who is seeking a seat on the U.N. Security Council while establishing close ties with such rogue states as Cuba and Iran, is now planning a meeting with reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. Chavez said at the weekend a visit to North Korea -- no date was specified -- would involve the signing of bilateral technology and science agreements, but one South Korean newspaper said Monday an "oil-for-missiles deal" may be on the agenda. | Which could lead to a "missiles-for-Hugo" program, with overnight delivery by the USAF |
Despite Washington's denials, both North Korea and Venezuela have frequently accused the U.S. of seeking to invade or attack. Pyongyang's official media mouthpieces say the country needs nuclear weapons because of the military threat posed by the U.S. Chavez speaks increasingly about the need to prepare for an "asymmetrical war," a reference to an alleged plot by the U.S. "empire" to overthrow his government.
Since Chavez took office in 1998 relations between Caracas and Pyongyang have improved considerably, and North Korean political and economic delegations have visited Venezuela. According to Seoul's conservative Chosun Ilbo newspaper, a top North Korean lawmaker, Yang Hyong-sop, visited Venezuela last September and said the two countries needed to respond jointly to "American pressure and threats."