Three U.S. Senators Say They Hope for Improved Relations With Venezuela

[cal04]

Three U.S. senators met with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Monday and said they came away optimistic the two governments can mend relations despite past tensions. Chavez met for two hours with Sens. Christopher Dodd, Lincoln Chafee and Bill Nelson, who said they saw their visit as a first step toward better ties.

"We've had a very sour relationship in the past. Every indication is that there will be better times ahead," said Nelson, a Florida Democrat. "Let's see if the words translate into action." The senators said they discussed trade with Chavez as well as efforts against drug trafficking and terrorism. The United States is the No. 1 buyer of Venezuelan oil.

"Both countries need each other economically," said Dodd, D-Conn.
Some critics have accused Chavez of drifting toward authoritarian rule, but he insists he fully supports democracy. Relations between Chavez and the U.S. government have been tense, particularly after Washington briefly recognized an interim government that claimed power in a short-lived coup against Chavez in 2002.

Chavez also has irritated U.S. leaders with his fiery rhetoric and close ties to Cuban leader Fidel Castro. "We know there have been problems between the two countries, but today is a new year, a new page, and we are here to find out if we can begin a new relationship," Dodd said at a news conference.


http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBD4P6NT3E.html

[Wilms]

1. This is very good news.

-snip-

Chafee, a Republican from Rhode Island, agreed and added, "It's got to be a two-sided approach to improving relations."

Nelson said the meeting left him encouraged "there will be a new dialogue that will occur that will not be hostile as it has been in the past."

-snip-


Chafee wouldn't endorse BC04. He's a crossover threat. I really like the quotes.

It must be lonely being just a *.

[Vidar]

2. Interesting. I support Chavez & Castro, but I can't see closer ties with

the terrorist in Washington.

[IndianaGreen]

3. I hope Kerry goes to Venezuela and retracts his ignorant statements

about the bolivarian revolution and Chavez. Kow-towing to the Miami exiles is not progressive!

[0007]

4. That would be a start, but I wouldn't hold my breath!

I don't know what Kerry was thinking? I didn't understand his real motive in banging away on Venezuela and Bolivia.

[Wright Patman]

5. Wasn't Kerry's dad

some kind of career diplomat who was also assumed to be an intelligence operative of some sort? Those types of people absolutely loathe "Bolivarian" populist types such as Chavez. There is really not even any recognition on the part of the intelligence community, which by and large fronts for international banks and global corporations, that someone like Chavez should be allowed his daily quota of oxygen.

[leesa]

7. Oil. Kerry fully supports the oil wars.

[leesa]

6. Too late.. They already signed their oil rights contract with China.

You try to overthrow him repeatedly. You smear his name regularily by lying and now you want to make nice. I believe I can hear Chavez shouting "Fuck you" from here. He doesn't need us...we're broke, remember?