June 22, 2006
President Chávez arrives in Panama

(El Universal) - "Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez arrived in Panama to attend the commemoration of the 180th anniversaty of the Anfictionic Congress, organized by Liberator Simón Bolívar to unify South American countries.

At the Tocumen International Airport, the Venezuelan ruler ensured that 'Bolívar lives in all American peoples.'

Regarding energy matters, Chávez underscored that Venezuela key proposal for the Caribbean is Petroamerica. 'An increasing number of governments are joining this system guaranteeing oil and energy supply. Thank God and nature, Venezuela is gifted with the world's largest oil reserve and the largest gas reserves in Latin America.' In Chávez' view, oil is an asset 'for sharing and encouraging integration.'

Chávez is to deliver the keynote speech at the Panamanian National Assembly, and he will also meet with his counterpart Martín Torrijos to discuss energy issues and bilateral trade. Chávez will take part in an event with civilian groups at Panama University, DPA reported.

Delegations from Chile, Costa Rica, Salvador, Nicaragua, Mexico, Honduras, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay are expected to attend the celebration, in addition to lawmakers from Cuba, Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil and Peru".