The top US diplomat in Venezuela expressed a willingness Tuesday
to seek a less conflictive relationship with President Hugo Chavez
after the leftist leader's overwhelming re-election win.
US Ambassador William Brownfield said Washington congratulated
Venezuelans on a peaceful vote that saw a high turnout.
"The president was re-elected by the decision of the Venezuelan
people," Brownfield told Union Radio. "We recognize that and we're
ready, willing and eager to explore and see if we can make progress
on bilateral issues."
Venezuela's electoral council Tuesday formally recognized
Chavez's win over challenger Manuel Rosales, after a full vote
count showed him winning nearly 63 percent in Sunday's
election.
Brownfield said the United States and Venezuela share an
interest in co-operating on various issues including combating drug
trafficking, international crime, terrorism as well as trade and
energy issues.
(China Daily December 6, 2006)
