Foreign Minister Alí Rodríguez Araque conceded that when somebody asks him about presumed Venezuelan attempts at executing military agreements with North Korea, he feels like answering the following: "Yes, we will buy military technology, intercontinental missiles, nuclear weapons..."

However, he resists the temptation. "I do not like to be ironic on this matter," he admitted.

Q: What can Venezuela get by entering into agreements with an isolated country, such as North Korea?

A: We do not seek something just to win. In accordance with the Constitution, we pursue relations with all the countries in the world, with no exclusion whatsoever. We improved ties with Asia and Africa. We are not to make moral judgments in order to have relations with foreign countries.

Q: Again, which benefit can Venezuela derive from an eventual exchange with that nation?

A: The same benefit we can get from Vietnam, a country that waged a long war with the United States and others; the same benefit we have with North Korea, which was also at war; and the same benefit we get from India, China, Russia and the United States.

Q: Relations with North Korea could be viewed as evidence of independence from Washington. However, this position looks feeble, bearing in mind that Pyongyang is regarded as a threat by the European Union, China, Russia and several Asian countries.

A: You can guess as you please. But as we have relations with the United States, we can have them with the two Koreas. We advocate peaceful unification of the two Koreas. Looking for particulars and weird things lays on those who view with reservations the fact that Venezuela is a free nation, which can enter into free relations with all the nations in the world.

Q: This was the case for Iran. At the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), only Cuba, Syria and Venezuela backed the Tehran position. What do you win by making such controversial causes?

A: As for Iran, there is not evidence to suggest that they are making research to manufacture, or are manufacturing nuclear weapons. Those who try to prevent third countries from making nuclear research should begin by destroying their nuclear weapons.

Q: Can these policies lead to retaliation or serious consequences?

A: Defending principles has such a price; but giving up may result in paying a higher price.

(El universal, Venezuela, July 8, 2006)