US expects compliance with the Constitution in case of Chávez's succession

Referring to the new cancer operation Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez will undergo, as well as concerns over a likely presidential succession, the US Government said it expects such a succession complies with the Venezuelan Constitution.

"Obviously, we would like any succession to meet the terms of the Venezuelan Constitution. We are obviously watching the events (in Venezuela) carefully," US Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland said, DPA cited.

As she explained, Washington and the rest of the hemisphere, including Venezuelans themselves, expect that if new elections are necessary, they will be "peaceful, inclusive, free, and conducted on a level playing field" so that Venezuela can have "the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to representative democracy."

When asked whether she wished a fast recovery for Chávez, the US representative said she did, "As with anybody who is suffering what he is suffering."

Regarding the status of US-Venezuela bilateral relations, Nuland remarked: "We obviously want the best possible communications between our government and the Venezuelan Government on all issues of mutual interest, including but not limited to counternarcotics, counterterrorism, rule of law, trade, etc. But we do not currently have any plans to resume relations at the ambassadorial level with Caracas."

Translated by Jhean Cabrera