Venezuela's Chavez defends general amid scandal

[Zorro]

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President Hugo Chavez on Sunday praised a top general who suggested the military would not accept an opposition victory in Venezuela's next presidential election, further angering critics who argue the officer demonstrated disrespect for democracy.

In a newspaper column, Chavez referred to Gen. Henry Rangel Silva as "a revolutionary soldier," and said that he planned to promote him to general in chief of defense for "his merits and virtues."

The self-proclaimed socialist leader harshly criticized Jose Miguel Insulza, secretary-general of the Organization of American States, for calling Rangel Silva's remarks "unacceptable," and accused the OAS chief of meddling in Venezuela's domestic affairs.

"His unfortunate statements are nothing more than disrespect for our sovereignty," Chavez wrote.

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More at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101115/ap_on_bi_ge/lt_venezuela_chavez