Maduro Accuses Obama of Delaying Normalization of Relations With Caracas

© AP Photo / Ariana CubillosVenezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro - Sputnik International
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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that his US counterpart Barack Obama was to blame for lack of progress in normalization of relations between the two countries.

MEXICO (Sputnik) — In December 2010, Hugo Chavez, who served as Venezuelan president at that time, refused to accept US Ambassador Larry Palmer nominated by Obama, accusing US diplomat of disrespectful statements about Venezuela.

After that, the United States revoked the visa of Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez. As a result, the diplomatic missions of the two countries are headed by Chargé d'Affaires.

"As a president, I sought diplomatic channels and sent the ambassador, but after one and a half years [Washington] has not given its approval," Maduro was quoted by Mexican El Universal portal as saying on Sunday.

In February 2014, Venezuela proposed Maximilian Arvelaez as ambassador to the United States, a post vacant since 2010. According to the head of the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry at the time, the move demonstrated Caracas' will to establish upright, frank and honest diplomatic relations with the United States.

"What kind of normal relations with Venezuela does the Obama administration want, if they are not able to approve the Ambassador, what do they expect?"

Both countries have also repeatedly expelled diplomats of lower ranks. In February, Maduro decided to expel three US diplomats for their alleged involvement in actions against the Venezuelan government. In response, Washington declared three employees of the Venezuelan embassy persona non grata.

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