PUERTO ORDAZ "They accuse us of being a destabilizing factor in the region,» Chavez told Uribe, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in comments broadcast on state television. American officials have criticized Venezuela's plans topurchase helicopters and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles fromRussia, but Chavez defended his nation's right to buy theweapons. Chavez told visiting leaders that Tuesday's meeting was ofthe highest importance for building ties and addressingLatin America's problems. He said he and other leaders would «push onward withmechanisms for the rapprochement between Spain, Europe andLatin America inside the framework of a new geopoliticalmap that is taking shape.» Zapatero was making his first official visit to Venezuela,fitting with his policy of greater engagement in SouthAmerican affairs. «We have a future of economic integration in theregion,» said Zapatero. «I've always thought that LatinAmerica has its main ally in Europe.»-- SP2336 Local Time 2036 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/250758