Jewish leaders seek improved ties with Chavez

[Behind the Aegis]

By RACHEL JONES
Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- President Hugo Chavez met with Jewish leaders on Wednesday, pledging to work together against anti-Semitism and open up channels of communication despite differences on Mideast politics.

Both Chavez and leaders of the World Jewish Congress called the meeting a success.

"There may be some differences of opinion on some issues - on major issues such as Iran and also the Middle East," Michael Schneider, the organization's secretary-general, said after the meeting. "But when it comes to anti-Semitism, I think we're on the same page."

"We mentioned our concerns about anti-Semitism and asked him what his position was," Schneider said. "And he said he was certainly not an anti-Semite."

The socialist president said afterward that it was a "very important meeting," but did not elaborate.

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