CARACAS, Jan 29: US anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan on Sunday called President George W. Bush a “terrorist” during a live broadcast in Caracas of a weekly programme hosted by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

“By his own definition, he (Bush) is a terrorist,” said Sheehan, the mother of a US soldier killed in Iraq, who gained notoriety for setting up a protest camp outside the US president’s Texas ranch last year.

“George W. Bush is responsible for killing tens of thousands of innocent people and his definition of a terrorist is someone who kills innocent women, men and children,” she said.

She called for the impeachment of Bush whom she accused of “war crimes”.

Sheehan appeared visibly moved as Venezuela’s leftist president put his arm around her, holding her close to him as he addressed jubilant supporters and delegates from the World Social Forum that wrapped up six days of anti-globalization debates here Sunday.

“I know you had Harry Belafonte here a couple of weeks ago, and he called George W. Bush ‘the biggest terrorist in the world.’ I agree with him,” Sheehan said to rousing cheers from several hundred invited guests gathered outside a historic house in downtown Caracas.

Belafonte, a US singer famed for his Jamaican-inspired tunes, raised a storm of controversy in the United States following his remarks, also made on Chavez’s “Hello President” programme.

“Progressive people in America appreciate your courage and your stand against President Bush,” Sheehan told Chavez, who again lambasted what he called the “murderous” US administration.

“I’m convinced that with your support and love, and the support of people all over the world, the war in Iraq will end and our troops will come home,” the US anti-war activist told the crowd, which roared “Chavez, Chavez,” and “Cindy, Cindy.” Chavez hailed his American guest.

“For the first time in Venezuela we have received the visit of a lady who has led a memorable battle of courage, pain, and love for humanity, and for peace,” he said.—AFP