Mike Nizza
The New York Times
July 22, 2008
Say what you will about President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela, but at least he knows how to extend an olive branch while saving face with a sly smile.
Looking forward to a meeting in Spain next week with King Juan Carlos, who famously told him to "shut up" at the Ibero-American summit last year, the fiery president split the difference:
"I'd like to give the king a hug, but you know, Juan Carlos, that I am not going to shut up."
It was hard not to agree with the compromise. The alternative — two world leaders hugging in silence — would be far too awkward anyway.
