Chavez threatens 'extradition bid' over assassination call
29/08/2005 - 06:51:56

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez said his government could request
the extradition of US religious broadcaster Pat Robertson for
suggesting American agents should kill him.

Speaking to foreign delegations attending a meeting of the
Organisation of American States, in Caracas, Chavez said Venezuela
would "exercise legal action in the United States" against Robertson.

Robertson's comments last week have increased already tense relations
between Caracas and Washington. He called for Chavez's assassination
on his TV show The 700 Club, saying the US should "take him out"
because the Venezuelan leader posed a danger to the region.

Robertson, founder of the Christian Coalition of America, later
issued an apology.

"Calling for the assassination of a head of state is a terrorist
act," said Chavez, an outspoken critic of US president George Bush,
who has forged strong relations with communist-led Cuba.

"We could even request his extradition."

The Bush administration also swiftly distanced itself from
Robertson's comments. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack
called the remarks "inappropriate".
But Venezuela has demanded a stronger condemnation of Robertson's
remarks.
Earlier, the Rev Jesse Jackson backed Chavez, saying the call for his
assassination was a criminal act.

The US civil rights leader, who is on a four-day visit to Venezuela,
called Robertson's statements "immoral" and "illegal". He urged US
authorities to take action, and said the US government must choose
"diplomacy over any threats of sabotage or isolation or
assassination".