Pyongyang, September 24 (KCNA) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Tuesday sent a letter to the UN chief, expressing his full support for the controversial Palestinian bid for UN membership.

Chavez said the Venezuelan government recommends the Palestinian state be recognized as a state with absolute rights within the leading world forum. This is a historic act of justice with a people, he said.

The State of Palestine has the right "to become a free, sovereign and independent country," he added.