Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Thursday that the war in Iraq has caused international uncertainty and is jeopardizing the balance of the world petroleum market.  

Chavez, who always opposed the war, said the invasion of Iraq has resulted in "terrible destabilization" and "general violence", which should never have taken place.

Chavez said uncertainty surrounding the future of Iraq's oil producing sector is affecting the balance of price against production on the world petroleum market.

The president said Venezuela would not recognize the coalition authority in Iraq until the United Nations recognizes it.

He also expressed his hope of "peace returning to the people of Iraq and the world."

(Xinhua News Agency November 28, 2003)