Venezuela's Chavez Lobbies South America

[Terri]

By BILL CORMIER
Associated Press
August 7, 2007

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez sought to expand his petrodollar influence in South America as he launched a four-nation tour Monday to promote his country's entry into a regional trade bloc and to offer energy and financial deals to allies.

Chavez met with Argentine President Nestor Kirchner after signaling Venezuela plans to acquire up to $1 billion in Argentine bonds in installments -- the latest in a series of deals cementing ties between the allies.

''This is an important deal, highly important for our political and geopolitical ties,'' Chavez said.

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[schillerbjr]

"Where's Cindy Sheehan, her pal" ????