Obama Defends Handshake, Urges Cuba to Free Prisoners

Bolivian prez accuses US of assassination plot

By Drew Nelles, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 19, 2009 3:59 PM CDT

(Newser) – President Obama defended his friendly chat with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and asked Cuba to free its political prisoners, the Wall Street Journal reports. At the close of the Summit of the America's today, Obama brushed off Republican criticism, saying that turning a new page with Venezuela and Cuba represents "an opportunity for frank dialogue on a range of issues."

Obama's visit with Latin American leaders produced more than handshake diplomacy, Politico reports. Obama promised more than $200 million in Latin American aid, including $66 million for Mexico’s drug war and $100 million for a fund to help the poor. One apparent surprise for Obama on the trip: Bolivian President Evo Morales complained that America had plotted to assassinate him, the New York Times reports.

[Images (5)]

[Videos (1)]

[Quotes (2)]

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, listens to President Barack Obama during the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Sunday, April 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office)

President Barack Obama speaks during his final news conference at the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Sunday, April 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Barack Obama, left, shakes hands with Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega, who castigated him on American foreign policy. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Barack Obama speaks during his final news conference at the 5th Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Sunday, April 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

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President Obama touts progress made at the Summit of the Americas this weekend. (msnbc)

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The president made the point that he's not here to argue history. He said we need to understand the past, have to move ahead, very forward-looking. - US official

I am absolutely opposed and condemn any efforts at violent overthrows of democratically elected governments. - President Barack Obama, after Bolivian President Evo Morales accused the US of planning to assassinate him

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 5 comments

Mad

Apr 20, 2009 4:26 AM CDT

'Republican criticism...' of WHAT? Having never displayed class and dignity, don't expect republicans to recognize it when they see it

woodyTX

Apr 20, 2009 3:23 AM CDT

More dialogue, less ideology and less rhetoric is always good to start a relationship. Obama's smart. He knows enough to listen. How refreshing. With Oil at $50 a barrel Chavez needs friends more than ever. Let's see how this develops in the end.

kokuaguy

Apr 20, 2009 3:01 AM CDT

Whatever. There's no reason for the U.S. to alienate one of our largest oil suppliers. Chavez had good reason to denounce the Bush administration for its support of the coup leaders who tried to overthrow him.

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Barack Obama • Latin America • Venezuela • Mexico • Cuba • Bolivia • Mexican drug war • assassination • Evo Morales • political prisoner • Hugo Chávez • microfinance

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Obama Defends Handshake, Urges Cuba to Free Prisoners