Venezuela says taking steps to restore U.S. diplomatic ties

[Bacchus4.0]

http://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-says-taking-steps-restore-u-diplomatic-ties-030042649.html;_ylt=AjAKHZkgGtwGpoVf6JO_y_zzWed_;_ylu=X3oDMTVxZzNncDNxBGNjb2RlA2dtcHRvcDEwMDBwb29sd2lraXVwcmVzdARtaXQDQXJ0aWNsZSBNaXhlZCBMaXN0IE5ld3MgZm9yIFlvdSB3aXRoIE1vcmUgTGluawRwa2cDYTI0OWJlNmQtYjRlYS0zYjE5LWJiMjUtMzM1N2FkZmQwMTMwBHBvcwMyBHNlYwNuZXdzX2Zvcl95b3UEdmVyA2FkNmU0MTkwLWMwZjktMTFlMi1iZTNlLWZiMDlmMzg5NWM3Yg--;_ylg=X3oDMTBhYWM1a2sxBGxhbmcDZW4tVVM-;_ylv=3

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's recent designation of an acting head of its diplomatic mission in the United States shows the OPEC nation's desire to restore full diplomatic relations, the foreign minister said in an interview broadcast on Sunday.

Disputes between Caracas and Washington were common during the 14-year-rule of late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, leaving both nations without ambassadors in each other's capitals.

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"This is a message for U.S. politicians so they understand Venezuela's desire to normalize relations ... via the designation of the highest diplomatic authorities," he said. "Why? Because the United States remains our top trade partner."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has in recent months said he wants better ties with Washington as long as the relationship is respectful. But he has also accused the United States of seeking to destabilize the country.

[Bacchus4.0]

1. looks like we have a dupe n/t

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