US seeks 'better Venezuela ties'

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The US ambassador to Venezuela has said bilateral relations could continue to improve despite the deep political differences between the two countries.

William Brownfield said Washington could use its improved relations with both China and Vietnam as a blueprint for relations with Venezuela.

Bilateral trade has continued to grow in recent years, despite worsening relations during the same period.

It is expected to hit a record $50bn (£25bn) in 2006.

Diplomatic ties have shown signs of improvement since Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was re-elected by a landslide earlier this month.

In comments published on Tuesday by the Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional, Mr Brownfield said: "The United States accepts that the two governments have different models and projects for the future and it's unlikely that we will agree on some political stances.

"Our task in the coming months is to maintain an acceptable line on political positions that we don't agree on and make progress in more pragmatic areas."

He said the two countries could make progress in the areas of trade, energy and anti-drug efforts.

Venezuela is a major oil supplier to the US, and oil exports made up the bulk of trade.

Tensions

Last week, the two countries said they had made a positive start to improving relations after a lengthy meeting between Mr Brownfield and Venezuela's foreign minister.

Relations had worsened since claims of US involvement in a coup attempt against Mr Chavez in 2002.

The White House has often accused Mr Chavez of harming regional stability.

In September, Mr Chavez referred to US President George Bush as "the devil" during a speech before the UN General Assembly in New York.