Venezuelan President makes visit

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is visiting Brazil on his first trip abroad since winning a victory in last month’s referendum on his rule.
He will hold talks with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, in the Amazonian city of Manaus.
They are expected to discuss how to integrate state-run oil industries in South America more closely. {{more}}
They will also consider how Venezuela can play a wider role in the South American trade bloc, Mercosur.
Venezuela was admitted to Mercosur as an associate member in July.
Plans for a pan-Latin American TV channel will be on the agenda as well.
The BBC’s Iain Bruce in Manaus says Mr Chavez wants to use the momentum of his referendum victory to accelerate moves towards greater integration in Latin America.
Last week, US trade officials accused Venezuela of trying to block a free trade deal with Andean countries, while President George W Bush has spoken warmly of Brazil’s constructive approach to trade talks.