Chavez denies offering Russia to deploy base in Venezuala

LISBON, July 24 (Itar-Tass) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez hasflatly denied reports that he suggested deploying a Russian military base in Veneuzela. during his recent visit to Moscow. He arrived in Portugal late on Wednesday. He said the words that were being ascribed to him were wrong.

Chavez descrivbed these reports as part of a media war. "We travel around the globe and they plant ambushes for us," the Venezuelan leader stressed.

"Today, the news that I had allegedly offered Moscow to deploy a base with Russian troops in Venezuela flew the world. It is as wrong as it would be if I had said that the sun was shining.

Chavez will stay in Portugal until Thursday. He will leave for Spain the next day.