Libya crisis talks_ Gaddafi envoys in Caracas for Libya crisis talks, says Chávez

Gaddafi envoys in Caracas for Libya crisis talks, says Chávez

Libyan delegation arrived several days ago to discuss solution to end Nato's 'crazy' bombing, Venezuelan president adds

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Rory Carroll in Caracas
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 27 April 2011 09.13 BST
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Hugo Chávez at the Latin American and Caribbean foreign ministers' summit. He called for talks between Libya's government and the rebels. Photograph: Reuters

Envoys from Muammar Gaddafi's government have flown to Venezuela to discuss ways to resolve Libya's conflict, President Hugo Chávez has said.

The visitors arrived in Caracas several days ago to discuss a solution that would put an end to Nato's "crazy" bombing, Chávez said during a televised speech on Tuesday. "A delegation sent by Gaddafi has arrived in Venezuela and we are seeking a peaceful outcome."

The Venezuelan president, who has remained loyal to his embattled Arab ally, did not elaborate on the delegation's visit but repeated his calls for talks between Libya's government and the rebels.

He also repeated his condemnation of Nato military strikes. "Who gave them the right to do this? It's crazy. Because they don't like the leader Gaddafi, because they want to take Libya's oil and water ... they are throwing bombs everywhere."

Speaking during a meeting of Latin American and Caribbean foreign ministers, Chávez said he wanted to find "a political solution to the drama the Libyan people were living".

He spoke amid growing concern in Moscow and Beijing that Nato was trying to assassinate Libya's leader. An air strike damaged Gaddafi's compound in Tripoli on Monday.

"We've had enough abuse, wars and invasions directed against third world countries," said Chávez. He has frequently accused the US of plotting to assassinate him to grab Venezuela's oil.

Last month he proposed that an international commission visit Libya to broker a truce but the idea was rejected by both sides.

On Monday Chávez expressed support for Syria's president, Bashar al-Assad, in the wake of a crackdown on pro-democracy protests that has reportedly left hundreds dead. Venezuela's president blamed "terrorists" for the protests in the Syrian city of Deraa.