We are gathered here today to show our dislike for the legislation that is being passed in the United States. We're here to do it in a peaceful manner. We're here to show our congressmen and our senators that we're here to stay, we have a voice, and we're going to use it.

The United States might not permit its citizens to use its territory and airwaves to incite terrorists abroad and the murder of a democratically elected president. Venezuela demands that the U.S. abide by international and domestic law and respect its country and our president.

[Because Rita could wipe out more refinery capacity while the United States is still catching its breath from Katrina,] the market is going to keep a keen eye on energy prices, ... It's a very big deal.

You can't buy a baby in the United States. ... But you can buy the sperm, you can buy the egg and you can rent the uterus.

Venezuela is privileged to be able to help the United States in this time of need. We see ourselves as a compassionate people and hope that our efforts will help cope with current market needs of the U.S. for gasoline, and provide some immediate relief to the victims of this horrific natural disaster.

The hurricane that affects Cuba today affects the United States tomorrow. And when one strikes the U.S., it can also hit Cuba or any other country in the region.