Venezuala sends aid to Zimbabwe

Venezuela says it is sending food, water and medicine to Zimbabwe to help combat a cholera epidemic that has claimed more than 1,500 lives.

Justice Minister Tarek El Aissami says Venezuela will send a group of rescue workers with 74 tons of humanitarian aid. The minister said that the help is modest but Venezuela wants to take action.

President Hugo Chavez has urged the international community to assist Zimbabwe, which also has been racked by widespread hunger. Last month, the socialist leader expressed full support for embattled President Robert Mugabe.