MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) — Monday, July 4, marks Independence Day in the United States, a federal holiday in the country that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
"Venezuela confirms its resolve to establish respectful bilateral diplomatic relations with the United States, based on international law and principles such as the equality of sovereign states and the right to nations' self-determination. Such postulates inspired US independence from the British empire," Maduro said in his address to the United States making the country's July 4 celebrations.
Diplomatic relations between the United States and Venezuela have been strained over recent years. In December 2010, Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan president at that time, refused to accept US Ambassador Larry Palmer nominated by President Barack Obama and accused the US diplomat of disrespectful statements about Venezuela. The United States retaliated by revoking the visa of Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez.
In June, Maduro said he was ready to restore relations with the United States and appoint a new ambassador to Washington. He said that that US Secretary of State Kerry offered Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez to hold several high profile official meetings, and he agreed to the offer.
