Venezuela's vice president has defended North Korea's nuclear missile tests, saying he sees a double standard in the West's condemnation of the move.
Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel told reporters Thursday that North Korea is exercising the right of any country to conduct such tests.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, known for his criticism of Washington, had said that he may visit Pyongyang on his next Asian tour.
North Korea this week launched seven missiles, including a long-range Taepodong-2 believed to be able to reach the United States. The tests have prompted condemnation from countries worldwide, including the U.S., Russia, Australia, Japan, South Korea and China.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.