Monday, April 10, 2006

Venezuela threats to expel U.S. ambassador

original

CARACAS, Venezuela (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has threatened to expel the U.S. ambassador for inciting riotous behavior, El Nacional reported Monday.

The convoy of Ambassador William Brownfield was pelted with eggs and vegetables last week after the U.S. envoy handed out baseball equipment in a poor Caracas neighborhood.

Chavez said that Brownfield failed to notify local authorities of his travel plans and should have done, particularly in light of the strained U.S.-Venezuelan relations.

The fiery leftist Venezuelan leader has repeatedly accused the Bush administration of trying to overthrow his government to gain access to its lucrative oil supplies. Washington in turn says that Chavez is trying to create a Cuba-style regime in Venezuela.

Copyright 2006 by United Press International

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