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CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez says Alejandro Sanz is welcome to perform at his presidential palace, and denied Thursday that his government retaliated against the Latin Grammy winner because of critical comments he made.

More than 80 performers and other celebrities signed a statement supporting the Spanish singer after his concerts were canceled in Venezuela. Signers including Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Penelope Cruz and even soccer star David Beckham said they “believe in a Latin America where we are all free to express our views.”

Venezuelan organizers said Sanz’s sold-out Feb. 14 concert in Caracas was canceled because it lacked “the appropriate conditions.” The announcement came after government officials said Sanz would not be allowed to hold the concert at the state-controlled stadium because of his past criticism of Chavez.

Chavez denied any attempt to censor or retaliate against Sanz. “Come here and sing in Miraflores,” he said, referring to Venezuela’s presidential palace.