Chavez issues warning to U.S.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez yesterday warned his government would blow up its own oilfields if the United States ever were to attack -- the latest in a series of warnings to Washington.

U.S. officials have repeatedly denied any military plans against Chavez, but also have called him a threat to stability in the region. Speaking with other South American leaders, Chavez said his conflict with the U.S. is rooted in Washington's thirst for oil. If the U.S. were to attack, Chavez said: "We'll do like the Iraqis. We won't have any other alternative -- blow up our own oilfields, but they aren't going to take that oil." He added that "the real reason for the open conflict . . . is energy."

tags: venezuela  chavez