Sean Penn thanks Hugo Chavez, says U.S., Venezuela can find common ground
(CBS/AP) CARACAS, Venezuela - Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn on Saturday thanked Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez , saying Chavez's aid has helped Penn's humanitarian work in distributing medicines.In Haiti.I
n Ihe past Penn has drawn criticism for defendng Chavez and commending him for supporting Penn's relief work in Haiti.
Chavez met with Penn at the presidential palace and praised the actor's efforts with his J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which was founded in response to the catastrophic 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
Neither provided details about how much financial assistance Venezuela has provided.
The Oscar-winning actor noted that in addition to Venezuela's financial help, his organization also receives funding from the U.S. military. Penn said that shows the U.S. and Venezuela can find common ground on some issues in spite of their other differences and limited diplomatic contacts.
The U.S. and Venezuela have been without ambassadors since December, when Chavez formally rejected the White House's nominee for envoy in a diplomatic dispute. The U.S. government revoked the visa of Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez in response.
Penn has met four times with Chavez in recent years. Chavez has praised the actor for his critical stance toward U.S. foreign policy.
The leftist president said their meeting Saturday was productive in discussing "new plans and ideas."
"Sean is an activist of the struggles for the world's oppressed peoples, and he's leaving for Haiti right now," Chavez said outside the presidential palace when they emerged from their meeting.