Philstar.com reports
The Venezuelan leader said he had been ready to name a new ambassador in Washington when Obama took office, but put that on hold after the new US president accused him of "exporting terrorism" and being an obstacle to progress in the region.
Chavez insists that Obama should read and learn more about the realities in Latin America as he continues to criticize US policies in the region particularly his kind of politics in Venezuela.
‘We asked for respect for Venezuela, nothing else, Chavez said. ‘If Obama respects us, we will respect him. If Obama tries to keep disrespecting Venezuela, we will confront the US Empire.
US President Obama and the Venezuelan president are expected to attend a summit of leaders in Trinidad and Tobago next month. Chavez said he will make a case for Cuba to be included in the talks. Chavez maintains a cordial relationship with Cuba.
Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and the US have not improved since the time of US president Bush when the Venezuelan president recalled his country’s ambassador to the US and expelled the US ambassador to Venezuela.
Diplomats of both countries have not been restored to their posts until now.