Posted Jan. 9, 2006 – Singer and activist Harry Belafonte, speaking during a radio and TV broadcast in Venezuela Sunday, called President Bush the "greatest tyrant" and "greatest terrorist in the world,”  The Associated Press reported.

Belafonte, 78, led a delegation of Americans to Venezuela, including actor Danny Glover and Princeton University scholar Cornel West, to meet with the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for more than six hours late Saturday.

:: AD ::

Belafonte, famous for his Caribbean-inspired music, told Chavez during the broadcast that millions of Americans support his revolution, AP reported.

No matter what the greatest tyrant in the world, the greatest terrorist in the world, George W. Bush says, we're here to tell you: Not hundreds, not thousands, but millions of the American people . . . support your revolution,” he said.

We respect you, admire you, and we are expressing our full solidarity with the Venezuelan people and your revolution," Belafonte added.

Just last week, Belafonte praised Chavez for providing cheap home heating oil for families living in Massachusetts and New York.  The fuel discounts fly in the face of the Bush administration, which maintains strong political opposition to the Chavez's close relationship with Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Chavez said he believes in the struggle for justice by Blacks, both in the United States and Venezuela.

Although we may not believe it, there continues to be great discrimination here against Black people," Chavez said, urging his government to prevent discrimination.

Belafonte is a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and has been outspoken in criticizing the U.S. embargo of Cuba. He says U.S. media have falsely painted Chavez as a dictator, countering that there is democracy in the country and that its citizens are optimistic about their future.

Do you agree with Belafonte or believe his comments were extreme?  Click "Discuss Now" to post your comment.