Chavez Criticizes Bush's Handling of Financial Crisis

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has criticized U.S. President George Bush for his handling of the U.S. financial crisis.

Mr. Chavez said Friday that the crisis has put the world economy at risk.

The Venezuelan leader spoke to reporters from the presidential palace in Paris following a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Mr. Chavez praised President Sarkozy and said the two discussed technology transfers and energy issues.

Earlier Friday, Mr. Chavez was in Russia where he signed an energy cooperation pact with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Russian energy officials recently said they will expand their investment in Venezuela's oil industry.

The Venezuelan leader's trip has also taken him to Cuba and China. He plans to stop in Portugal before returning home.