Peru has recalled its ambassador from Venezuela and accused the country of meddling in its affairs after the Venezuelan president, Hugo Ch?ez, backed Peru"s nationalist presidential hopeful Ollanta Humala, left, in Caracas, the Foreign Ministry said.

Mr. Ch?ez"s praise for Mr. Humula"s opposition to a United States-backed plan to set up a Free Trade Area of the Americas was made at a ceremony Tuesday for Bolivia"s president-elect, Evo Morales, and were broadcast on Peruvian television.

Mr. Morales, a fellow nationalist, also offered Mr. Humala, above, his support. Mr. Humala, who is leading in some polls for the April election, said he planned more trips to Venezuela. "What is wrong with meeting Hugo Ch?ez?" he said. "He is the leader of a nation