Caracas, Venezuela – Venezuela’s vice president said Monday his country would welcome leaders from Hamas “with pleasure” if they visit the country as part of a South American tour following their victory in Palestinian elections.
Asked if the Venezuelan government would receive the Islamic militant group, Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel told reporters: “Of course we will. What is the problem?” “If they come, with pleasure,” Rangel said. “They’ve just won an election.” Since Hamas’ victory last month, the United States and other Western nations have threatened to cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in badly needed aid unless the group, which is responsible for dozens of suicide bombings, recognizes Israel and renounces violence.
Hamas leaders have said the group’s ideology won’t change, even if it means giving up aid money.
Israel has grown increasingly concerned the international front against Hamas was crumbling after Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Hamas leaders to Moscow for talks. Russia has said it will press the group to change its violent ideology.
Venezuela on Monday added itself to the small list of nations willing to engage Hamas, which the United States and the European Union consider a terrorist organization.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez frequently criticizes what he calls U.S. imperialist dominance in world affairs and has often expressed sympathy for the Palestinian cause.
Rangel earlier this month said Hamas leaders were expected to visit Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia and Venezuela. He said a visit hadn’t yet been confirmed.
