Chavez does not regret standing up to OAS chief, but says harsh language imprudent

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) _ President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday it was imprudent for him to call the head of the Organization of American States an ``idiot,'' but insisted he did not regret using

Wednesday, January 10th 2007, 9:24 am

By: News On 6

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) _ President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday it was imprudent for him to call the head of the Organization of American States an ``idiot,'' but insisted he did not regret using strong language to defend his country's dignity.

OAS Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza, Roman Catholic leaders and others incurred Chavez's wrath by criticizing his decision not to renew the broadcast license of an opposition-aligned TV station.

In a speech at his inauguration, Chavez said his love for his country is so profound that ``it leads me sometimes to say things that are beyond what is prudent.''

``But I don't regret it. I'm defending Venezuela's dignity,'' he said.

Chavez used a vulgar word roughly meaning ``idiot'' on Monday to refer to Insulza and called for him to resign after the secretary-general warned that failing to allow Radio Caracas Television, or RCTV, to continue broadcasting on open airwaves ``would be seen as a form of censorship against freedom of expression.''

``What does the secretary-general ... have to do with this issue? Absolutely nothing,'' Chavez said Wednesday. He criticized Insulza for making no effort to speak with him about the issue.

At a session of the OAS permanent council this week, countries including Honduras, Guatemala and Chile expressed support for Insulza and chastised Chavez for insulting him.

During his speech, Chavez turned to Venezuela's top Catholic prelate, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino, and told him he did not understand why the church has expressed concern for RCTV, which Chavez accuses of subversive activities aimed at ousting him.

``Mr. Cardinal,'' Chavez said, ``the state respects the church. The church should respect the state.''

RCTV has been sharply critical of Chavez. He accuses it and other opposition-aligned private media of backing a short-lived coup against him in 2002.

During the coup, several private channels broadcast regular programs such as cartoons and movies instead of the leader's return to power during giant street protests.