CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Leaders from the Palestinian movement Hamas are planning a South American tour, including visits to Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina and Bolivia, Venezuela's vice-president said yesterday.

Vice-President Jose Vicente Rangel said he did not foresee any political problems with the visit by Hamas, even though many Western nations are still weighing whether to cut aid to Palestinians after the Islamic militant group's decisive victory in last week's parliamentary elections.

European Union foreign ministers called on Hamas to recognise Israel, renounce violence and disarm, and US President George Bush said he would not support a Hamas-led Palestinian government unless it supports Israel's right to exist and disavows terrorism.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has moved to strengthen diplomatic relations with countries in the Middle East, Africa and Asia while distancing Venezuela, the world's fifth largest oil exporter, from the United States.

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