Venezuela develop nuclear energy

President Hugo Chavez says Russia will help Venezuela develop a nuclear energy reactor for peaceful purposes.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, speaking to a full to bursting stadium of United Socialist Party supporters. His message clear-that Venezuela is ready to move into a nuclear age.

SOUNDBITE: President Hugo Chavez saying (Spanish):

"In Venezuela, we are interested in development of nuclear energy, of course for peaceful purposes, for medical purposes, for purposes of electricity generation. Brazil has various nuclear reactors."

Chavez did not offer details or say when the reactor could be ready, but said they had developed a nuclear reactor decades ago, but abandoned it under pressure from the United States.

The move could further strain relations with Washington, who view Chavez as autocratic and erratic. Chavez says he is to be helped by Russia in his nuclear development as he seeks to position himself as the defender of Cuba and Castro's ideology.

SOUNDBITE: President Hugo Chavez saying (Spanish):

"Fidel is stronger than ever when we were saying good-bye to one another last night, after a three-hour conversation, along with Raul, Cuba's President, I heard him yell 'Chavez', and I turned around and there he was waving, saying 'victory'.''

Chavez has repeatedly challenged Washington, notably by defending Iran's nuclear activities despite strong condemnation by the United States and Europe.

Neena Dhaun, Reuters