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Chavez Dares US to Cut Diplomatic Ties

   VOA News 29 December 2010
   Venezuela's  President  Hugo Chavez speaks during a news conference at
   Miraflores Palace in Caracas, 22 Dec 2010

Photo: Reuters

   Venezuela's  President  Hugo Chavez speaks during a news conference at
   Miraflores Palace in Caracas, 22 Dec 2010

   Venezuelan  President  Hugo Chavez has dared the United States to "cut
   diplomatic  relations" amid a dispute over the White House's choice of
   a new ambassador in Caracas.
   Mr.  Chavez  said  Tuesday  the  U.S. "can do whatever they want," but
   diplomat Larry Palmer will not be coming to Venezuela.
   Palmer  was  nominated  to be U.S. ambassador to Venezuela four months
   ago.  The U.S. State Department has said Venezuela's rejection of his
   appointment will have consequences for the countries' already strained
   relations.
   Mr.  Chavez  said  Tuesday  that  an ambassador coming to Caracas must
   respect the country.
   His government has complained about comments Palmer made in Washington
   in September, saying morale is low in the Venezuelan military and that
   the government has ties with Colombian rebels.
   State  Department  officials  in  Washington  say  the  U.S.  has full
   confidence in Palmer.

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