'Jad's junket

As I mentioned Saturday, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is on a tour of friendly South American countries. He started with Venezuela, where unfortunately he couldn't make it to Hugo's inaguration (and neither did any heads of state). While in Veneuzela, Jad and Hugo renewed their vows to undermine the USA, by starting an anti-USA fund

The two countries had previously revealed plans for a joint $2 billion fund to finance investments in Venezuela and Iran, but the leaders said Saturday the money would also be used for projects in friendly countries throughout the developing world.

"It will permit us to underpin investments ... above all in those countries whose governments are making efforts to liberate themselves from the (U.S.) imperialist yoke," Chavez said.

"This fund, my brother," the Venezuelan president said, referring affectionately to Ahmadinejad, "will become a mechanism for liberation."

"Death to U.S. imperialism!" he said.

Ahmadinejad, who is starting a tour of left-leaning countries in the region, called it a "very important" decision that would help promote "joint cooperation in third countries," especially in Latin America and Africa.

No word from Hugo about the kidnappings, but I digress.

Both Venezuela and Iran depend on foreign refineries for their oil.

After Venezuela, it was time to visit with Daniel Ortega in Managua. The lovefest went well:

The two countries announced that they were restoring full diplomatic relations and re-opening embassies in their capitals.

Gateway Pundit has more.

Jad did make it in time to Rafael Correa's inaguration

Before arriving in the Ecuadorean capital, Quito, Mr Ahmadinejad said both countries had common views and would talk about expanding ties.

Borrowing a page from Hugo, Correa's already saying,

he will call a referendum on a special assembly to rewrite the constitution so that the powers of the traditional parties are curbed.

Let's hope Rafael's not counting on 'Jad to clean the air
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Following up on another Venezuela story I've been following for a while, More illegal drugs entering Haiti by air from Venezuela

Update Elephants In Academia posts that Hugo Chavez to "govern by decree"
The Young and Naive Flock to Caracas, Report Back - no, Scott's not referring to 'Jad.