Venezuelan PM working to created a South American defense council

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said his government is working to create a South America defense council along with Brazil and other countries. During a speech Sunday night, Chavez said the council would unite the region's countries to "design our own defense policies." He said Venezuelan officials planned to discuss it with Brazilian Defense Minister Nelson Jobim while he visits Caracas on Monday. "We're working on the project to create a South American defense council," Chavez said. "I once said that if NATO exists - the North Atlantic Treaty Organization - why couldn't SATO exist? The South Atlantic Treaty Organization," Chavez said. "We've placed it on the table for Latin America once again.