Ahmadinejad gives Chavez Iran's highest medal

Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad bestowed Hugo Chavez with the Islamic Republic Medal,

"The medal was awarded as an expression of gratitude for Chavez's support for Iran's stance on the international scene, especially its opposition to a resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency," Iran's state-run television said.

"He is the one who has resisted imperialism for years and has defended the interests of his and other Latin American countries," Ahmadinejad said, according to AP.