Porlamar, September 29: Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez and Libya’s Moamer Gathafi called on Monday for a new global definition of terrorism.
Meeting a day after the end of a summit of African and South American leaders in Venezuela, the two men signed a declaration urging a global conference be held to sketch out new terms defining terrorism.
The document rejects “attempts to link the legitimate struggle of the people for liberty and self-determination” with terrorism, according to a Venezuelan government website.
“We’re writing new pages of history. We are here to change history and create a new socialism, a new world,” Chavez said.
Gathafi posed for pictures with tourists and shopped for souvenirs on Venezuela’s Margarita Island after a weekend summit of South American and African leaders.
Accompanied by about 10 people, Gathafi entered several boutiques in a luxury hotel where he had pitched his bedouin tent, and bought jewelry and works by local artisans.
Dressed in beige pants and a green shirt, the Libyan leader then agreed to pose for pictures with hotel employees and tourists.
In his first visit to Latin America since his arrival in power 40 years ago, Gathafi arrived in a white limousine.
Chavez presented Gathafi with the Order of the Liberator, the nation’s highest honor.
—Agencies