Chavez mocks US 'self-righteous' attitude

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has dismissed a recent US report accusing Caracas of human rights violations and described the allegations as 'cynical.'

Chavez mocked Washington for crediting itself as a role model while it is a country that has launched atomic bombs, killed millions and assassinated presidents.

In its annual report on human rights violations, the US State Department on Thursday accused Venezuela of having increased harassment of the media and opposition.

The Venezuelan government has closed a number of television channels and websites for spreading "unfounded rumors" and "poisoning the minds of the public."

Chavez, who is an outspoken US critic, also accused the West of orchestrating a global campaign against his socialist government and Cuba.

In 2002, the Chavez administration survived a 47-hour military coup. Chavez was illegally detained, the National Assembly and the Supreme Court dissolved, and the country's 1999 Constitution declared void.

The coup, vehemently condemned by Latin American nations and international organizations, was initially recognized by the United States, who ended up condemning the move after it had been defeated.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=120849§ionid=351020704.