Venezuela, Bolivia deny aiding Iran
LA PAZ, Bolivia - Bolivia yesterday denied supplying uranium to Iran, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez scoffed at an Israeli allegation that the two countries have been aiding Tehran's nuclear program.
LA PAZ, Bolivia - Bolivia yesterday denied supplying uranium to Iran, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez scoffed at an Israeli allegation that the two countries have been aiding Tehran's nuclear program.
Bolivian Mining Minister Luis Alberto Echazu said his country does not produce the radioactive element, though he acknowledged that officials believe the country has untapped uranium deposits.
"There isn't even a precise geological study of uranium deposits, and much less can there be talk of export" to another country, he said.
A secret Israeli Foreign Ministry report, obtained by the Associated Press on Monday, cites Israeli intelligence assessments saying "there are reports that Venezuela supplies Iran with uranium for its nuclear program" and that "Bolivia also supplies uranium to Iran."
Chavez, visiting Brazil, said the allegation was one more in a list of accusations his government must fight off, including that "we're a paradise for drug trafficking, that we protect terrorists."
"I saw in the press yesterday . . . a supposed official document of the Israeli government where it says Venezuela is supporting Iran in the construction of the atomic bomb."
Chavez did not directly deny the Israeli report's assertion, but he has often joked that critics want to make it appear Venezuela and Iran are producing an "atomic bicycle" together. Iran is helping to produce bicycles and tractors in the South American country among various joint projects.
Bolivian Presidential Minister Juan Ramon Quintana called Israel's intelligence agency "clowns."
Chavez and Bolivian President Evo Morales have built close ties with Iran and have fiercely opposed Israeli and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Both Venezuela and Bolivia broke off ties with Israel in January to protest its offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Chavez has backed Iran's assertion that its nuclear program is purely to produce energy. Israel contends Iran is building atomic weapons.
Israel's three-page report about Iranian activities in Latin America was prepared before a visit to the region by Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, who plans to attend a meeting of the Organization of American States in Honduras next week.
