The Venezuelan government and the Palestinian Authority formally established relations Monday with the opening of a Palestinian diplomatic mission in Caracas. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez "is the most popular leader in the Arab world because of his courage, his support for justice and for supporting the just cause of the Palestinians," declared Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki after the announcement.
His Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro said the establishment of diplomatic relations was an "act of justice" because the Venezuela government understands the Palestinian cause and considers their plight to be "paramount." The Palestinian Authority already has diplomatic headquarters in several Latin American countries, from Mexico to Argentina, and Malki said it hopes to expand ties in the region.
A Palestinian representative is set to arrive in Caracas shortly, the diplomats said, and Maduro expressed hope to soon send a representative to the West Bank city of Ramallah. Venezuela severed ties with Israel on January 15 in reaction to the Jewish state's assault on the Gaza Strip. Caracas said at the time it was reacting to the "cruel persecution of the Palestinian people directed by Israeli authorities."
Chavez slammed Israeli authorities earlier this month by saying that "the Hebrew people do not deserve this genocidal, murderous government." According to government sources, the Chavez administration has no plans at present to restore relations with Israel.