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Venezuela's Socialist Govt. Happy Over Removal of John Bolton

Associated Press

   BOGOTA, COLOMBIA - Venezuela's embattled socialist government expressed
   delight Tuesday over the firing of U.S. national security adviser John
   Bolton, whose hawkish views and tough rhetoric were constant irritants
   for the region's leftist leaders.

   Industry Minister Tareck El Aissami, who was a special target of Bolton
   for his alleged drug involvement in cocaine trafficking, called Bolton
   the "biggest liar" who caused untold damage to the Venezuelan people.

   "The historical truth has vanquished the demons of war!'' El Aissami
   celebrated on Twitter. "The future is ours!"

   Another official, referring to the late President Hugo Chavez's
   preference for a traditional Venezuelan dessert, was similarly
   jubilant.

   "On days like this, the Comandate would treat himself to some sweet
   papaya," said the official, who agreed to discuss Bolton only if not
   quoted by name because relations between Venezuela and the United
   States are already tense.

   But it wasn't clear if the U.S. stance on Venezuela might change
   without Bolton. Some analysts even said Maduro has more to lose from a
   more diplomatic, less polarizing replacement as the U.S. supports
   opposition efforts to remove him as president.

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