Obama: We can manage tensions with Venezuela

US President Barack Obama said that his quest for a diplomatic strategy in Latin America based on the promotion of democratic values will create difficulties with Venezuela. "We can manage these tensions," he said.

Obama declined to elaborate on his role in the decision to expel Venezuelan consul to Miami Livia Acosta. However, he said that "there were investigations and follow-up of the case."

"I wish to improve relations with Venezuela. Unfortunately, the Venezuelan government tends to use the United States as an excuse for the failure of some of its domestic policies, and to cause problems to some of its neighbors," the US President said in an interview with Hispanic TV network Univision broadcast on Thursday, as reported by AP.

"We will continue seeking a diplomatic strategy in Latin America based on the defense of the values that we consider important: democracy, respect for human rights, respect for freedom of expression; we need to ensure that no country interfere with the legitimate complains of its neighbors," he said. "I want to tell you that this is going to create some tensions with Venezuela, but we can manage these tensions."