Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez branded US President George W Bush Monday a 'genocidal assassin' and the 'worst criminal in humanity' during a a private visit to London.

During a visit hosted by Ken Livingstone, London's controversial mayor, Chavez described the Iraq war as the 'Vietnam of the 21st century' and said he did not believe Iran was trying to gain nuclear capability.

Livingstone, standing next to the radical Venezuelan leader, said: 'I sometimes have views on George Bush - not too dissimilar from yours.'

Livingstone, who has long been on their sh*tlist, can expect more of the same after this one.

Chavez was given a 'hero's welcome' by Livingstone at a public rally attended by left-wingers from Britain and Latin American countries Sunday evening.

But he did not call, nor had he been invited to, on British Prime Minister Tony Blair, whom he has described as a 'main ally of Hitler' on account of British support for the Iraq war.

If the shoe fits . . .

Chavez repeated his warning that the price of petrol would rocket in Britain, if war is declared against Iran. 'The English middle classes would have to stop using their cars', he said.

Referring to Iraq, he said: 'If you are going to compare me to the worst criminal in humanity - the president of the US; He is an assassin. He is a criminal responsible for genocide, completely immoral.'

Chavez added: 'I believe that he should be put in jail. He has invaded a country. Are we bombing cities?'

On the conflict surrounding Iran's nuclear programme, he said: 'We want dialogue. We are not for war. All we want is respect for the will of the people of Iran.'

Livingstone, a strong Chavez supporter, defended him as 'the best news out of Latin America in many years.'

During his last visit to London in 2001, Chavez warmly embraced Blair and had tea with Queen Elizabeth II.

But since then, relations between the two governments have deteriorated.

I'll say! Expect some harsh replies from the White House, too. And - as usual - don't rule out the use of force.