Venezuela attacks Britain's stance over Falklands

Venezuela has strongly criticised what it calls Britain's threats against Argentina as its South American ally intensifies its claim to the Falkland Islands.

Venezuelan foreign minister Nicolas Maduro said the government of President Hugo Chavez rejects Britain's attempts to intimidate Argentina. He did not specify the threats, though his comments come amid a ratcheting up of tensions between Britain and Argentina.

The countries recently marked the anniversary of Argentina's invasion of the islands, which Argentinians say Britain has long illegally occupied.

Argentina has increasingly sought to isolate the South Atlantic islands by barring trade, ships and planes from adjacent Argentine territory and waters.

That has led to shortages of some types of produce on the islands.

Argentina's claim to the islands, which are known in Latin America as the Islas Malvinas, has widespread support across the region.

AP