Chavez hails Syria's shared rejection of US 'imperialism¿

Hugo Chavez

"We have the same position: we reject the American empire's imperialism and attempts at hegemony," Chavez was quoted as saying by local media as he began his visit aimed at consolidating relations between the two countries.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad stressed that the position of Damascus and Caracas on international issues were "very close," adding: "We reject unipolarity."

Talks between Chavez and Assad -- both persistent thorns in Washington's side -- are to focus on the regional situation and bilateral relations, a Syrian official told AFP.

Agreements on oil, energy and culture are also expected to be signed during the two-day visit, the source said.

Chavez was a fierce critic of Israel's month-long offensive in Lebanon and has found common ground with Syria, which has irked the West with its declarations of support for Hezbollah Shiite militants in Lebanon.

Flamboyant former paratrooper Chavez arrived from Asia, where in China last week he denounced Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon as "genocide," likening its action to war crimes committed by Adolf Hitler.

His trip to Damascus follows a visit by Venezuela's deputy foreign minister to Syria earlier this month.

The arrival of Chavez, who staged a failed coup in 1992 before being elected president in 2002, provides "support for Syria's positions on the Israeli-Arab conflict and Lebanon," said Elias Murad, editor of the official Baath daily.

Caracas and Damascus both "reject" pressures from Washington, but for different reasons, Murad told AFP, as the US wants to "overthrow" Chavez and "surround" Syria by supporting anti-regime elements, in particular Israel.