Venezuela’s Chavez condemns remarks by Spanish environment minister on climate talks

Chavez disputes Spanish official’s climate remarks

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is trading barbs with Spain’s environment minister over the Copenhagen summit on climate change.

Chavez objects to remarks by Spanish Environment Minister Elena Espinosa, who suggested Venezuela and Bolivia were to blame for the lack of a solid accord.

Espinosa was quoted as saying in the newspaper Publico that Chavez and Bolivian President Evo Morales opposed an accord, perhaps in defense of their oil and natural gas industries.

Chavez said Wednesday that Espinosa’s contention was false and he hopes it isn’t the Spanish government’s opinion.

The leftist Venezuelan leader has blamed wealthy countries for the failure to agree on binding climate targets.