The United States hints "renewed dialogue" with Venezuela

Washington will try to improve relations with the government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, after US President-elect Barack Obama takes office next January 20, said on Thursday the Chargé d'Affaires of the United States embassy, John Caulfield. The US Embassy top official in Caracas said Thursday that he met with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolás Maduro and they talked about "the opportunity for a renewed dialogue (...) between our governments, with a new administration in Washington," AP reported. The Venezuelan ruler has suggested that relations between the two countries are likely to be fully restored once the outgoing US President George W. Bush leaves the White House. In a recent televised speech, Chávez said that he would meet with Obama if they can talk "in terms of equality and respect."