CARACAS, March 14 (NNN-Prensa Latina): Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has said that US President Barack Obama was no different from former president George W.Bush.

Saying that Venezuela was ready to defend its sovereignty, he reiterated: “It’s the same empire.”

Chavez, referring to a series of attempts by the U.S. government to de rail Venezuela, he said that its Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was like Condoleeza Rice, Secretary of State under the Bush administration. “

?Only the colour is changed,” he said during a meeting with aspiring members of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

Given the pressures and accusations of human rights violation and alleged links to drug trafficking and terrorism, Chavez warned the U.S. that Venezuela would resist any aggression.

?They should know that we are here every day better able to defend our country in all fields,? he said.

The Venezuelan president announced that next Monday the Russian-made Sukhoi fighter-bombers would conduct their first test-fire as part of defensive reinforcement of the South American country.

?We know that the US empire is in a mess, but we can not underestimate its ability to strike, and deploy its forces around the world against Venezuela.?

Chavez said the first squadron of six fighter trainer aircraft manufactured by the Chinese would be delivered as promised.

He said there was a decision to acquire up to 40 of these aircraft, 18 of which are already delivered to strengthen the defensive capabilities with the Chinese assisting to train Venezuelan pilots

-NNN-PRENSA LATINA

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