ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC):

Minister of National Security Rayburn Blackmoore says the suggestion that Dominica may be joining forces with Venezuela to form a military alliance against the United States was laughable.

Venezuela President Hugo Chávez has made a call for member states of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), which Dominica joined in January, to use military force against the United States.

Critics here, including the main opposition, have battered the government on its decision to join ALBA, given the strong anti-US posture of Chávez.

Blackmoore said on state radio Saturday that the Dominican government cannot be held accountable for statements made by the Venezuelan leader.