March 3, 2006
Chile's President Ricardo Lagos praises President Chávez

(The Santiago Times) - "President Ricardo Lagos, whose presidential term expires in 9 days, had kind words for Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez at an economic forum.

Dismissing fears expressed in Washington D.C. of a 'leftist wave' sweeping Latin America as a 'rather superficial analysis,' he reproached critics for demonizing the Venezuelan leader.

'Hugo is a force of nature unleashed, he is a man of great charisma and I believe that his efforts to defeat poverty have led him to take a path of great participation..', Lagos said (...)".