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Venezuela has launched, from Chinese territory, a communication satellite manufactured in the Asian country with an investment of USD 406 million, which according to President Hugo Chávez will guarantee full telecommunications sovereignty.

President Chávez reported that the Long March-3B rocket lift off on Wednesday from the Xichang launch pad in the Chinese province of Sichuan carrying the 5.1 tonnes satellite. 

"This is a satellite for the liberation of people through culture and knowledge,'' Chávez said recently. With this VENESAT-1 satellite "we are recovering our sovereign rights on outer space. Venezuela is becoming free, towards socialism," he added. 

The satellite will use a geostationary orbital position at 78 degree West and begin to operate after approximately three months of testing, AP reported.

The satellite is expected to provide communication services in nearly all Latin America.