Chavez welcomes US decision to support ally by cutting aid to Honduras’ interim government

Chavez welcomes US decision to cut aid to Honduras

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is welcoming the United States’ decision to cut millions of dollars in aid to Honduras.

Chavez says “it’s about time” Washington took action against the government that has been in charge in Honduras since a June 28 coup ousted his ally, President Manuel Zelaya.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly announced the decision to cut more than $31 million in non-humanitarian assistance on Thursday.

Kelly added that the U.S. would not recognize the results of Honduras’ upcoming presidential elections under current conditions.

Chavez told Venezuelan state television by phone from Iran on Friday that he hopes the U.S. will make good on its decision.