U.S. steps up effort to counter Chavez

WASHINGTON
The United States has stepped up efforts to counter Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez' growing anti-Americanism which now includes his courting of Iran.

U.S. diplomats have been restrained so as not to raise Chavez' profile at home and abroad, but they have become more outspoken as Chavez sharpens his anti-U.S. attacks in Latin America and strengthens his Iran ties, reports The Los Angeles Times.

Calling Venezuela a "sidekick" of Iran, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Congress the United States is actively pursuing an "inoculation strategy" with other countries against Chavez, whom the United States believes is using his oil to help those governments who share his views and foment change in those that don't, the report said.

Rice, who left Friday on an eight-day trip to Latin America, Indonesia and Australia, had made clear she does not plan to see Chavez who is also expected to attend the inauguration of Chile's President-elect Michelle Bachelet.

The new U.S. strategy is also designed to stop the leftist penetration in Latin America which is gearing up for more elections, the Times said.