Blair encourages Venezuela and Cuba to abide by democratic principles

Blair encourages Venezuela and Cuba to abide by democratic principles

British Prime Minister Tony Blair urged Wednesday Venezuela to "observe
the rules of the global community" and added that he would like to see
Cuba operating "as a true democracy," AFP reported.

During the weekly question and answer session, Labor Congressman Colin
Burgon asked Blair about the takeover in Latin America of leftist
governments.

"I am sure that you share the satisfaction of many Labor deputies for
the shift leftwards recorded in Latin America, following the takeover by
governments that fight for the interests of the majority instead of the
interests of a few," Burgon declared.

"But you may concede that it would be terrible for all of us to let our
politics with regard to those countries, particularly nations such as
Venezuela, be defined by the Republican rightist agenda of the US
Government," the parliamentarian queried.

"To a certain extent," the Prime Minister answered laughing.

Blair emphasized that Latin American nations should act in accordance
with international community rules.

"It is most important for the Venezuelan Government to understand that
if it is to be respected by the global community, it should comply with
the rules of the international community," Blair declared.

http://english.eluniversal.com/2006/02/08/en_pol_art_08A668803.shtml