| Bolivian President Evo Morales has paid homage to | | | | Speaking at the event, Mr. Morales praised his two |
| revolutionary leader Ernesto "Che" Guevara in the | | | | closest allies, Cuban President Castro and Venezuelan |
| Bolivian village where the legendary leftist was | | | | President Hugo Chavez, for standing up to the |
| executed in 1967. | | | | "empire" - a reference to the United States. |
| Mr. Morales led a ceremony in Guevara's honor | | | | The Bolivian president said he would "take up arms" |
| Wednesday in the remote eastern village of La | | | | against the "empire" if it attacked either Bolivia, Cuba or |
| Higuera. It is the first time a Bolivian leader has made | | | | Venezuela. |
| such a tribute. | | | | In 1966, Guevara launched another communist |
| Wednesday's event was held to celebrate the 78th | | | | insurgency in Bolivia, but he was captured and |
| anniversary of the birth of Guevara - the leader of the | | | | executed by Bolivian troops a year later. Guevara |
| 1959 Cuban revolution that brought Fidel Castro to | | | | was 39 when he died. |
| power. | | | | |