Bush dismisses Chavez protests

Updated 21.17 Sat Mar 10 2007

Keywords: Latin America, tour, George W Bush, Chavez

President George W Bush has been enjoying his tour of Latin America, despite protests from Hugo Chavez.

The Venezuelan President staged a Bush protest in Buenos Aires, where Bush arrived from Brazil on a week long, five-nation tour.

Bush is aiming to improve his reputation and bolster US influence in the region

Chavez blames US-backed free-market policies for increasing poverty in Latin America and has embarked on a counter-tour during Bush's trip.

Bush refrained from discussing the leader during a press conference after meeting with Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez. He was asked whether Chavez should be considered a threat.

He said: "I've come to South America and Central America to advance a positive, constructive diplomacy that is being conducted by my government on behalf of the American people.

"I would call our diplomacy quiet and effective diplomacy."

Bush is aiming to improve his reputation and bolster US influence in the region.