Latin Leaders Chavez, Castro Provoke Love, Hate in the Region

[steve2470]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGB4FWTRUCE.html

HAVANA (AP) - They've been called dictators and terrorists, and blamed for brewing trouble throughout Latin America.

But Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro insist they represent peace, progress and regional solidarity, and that it will take more than their enemies' wrath - including a call for Chavez's assassination by American evangelist Pat Robertson - to derail their socialist projects.

Of enemies there are no shortage for Castro, communist Cuba's 79-year-old leader, and Chavez, Venezuela's fiery, self-declared socialist president. But the two barely heeded the latest remarks by their U.S. foes during a four-day visit by Chavez to Cuba, focusing instead on mutual plans they called noble and humane.

"What others think doesn't affect me a bit," Chavez said, Castro at his side, before leaving Havana this week.

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