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Chavez hopes for improved ties with US

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said he hopes the next US president will be open to improving relations with Venezuela, but he warned that Republican contender John McCain seems to be a "man of war" like US President George W. Bush.

Chavez, whose country is the US' fourth-largest oil supplier, said on Tuesday that McCain's remarks during the campaign don't bode well for easing tensions.

"McCain seems to be a man of war, too. He said yesterday that Bush has been very tolerant with Chavez. He's gone to Iraq to offer more weapons and more dollars -- and more war," Chavez said.

Chavez, who regularly calls Bush the devil, added: "Sometimes one says that worse than Bush is impossible, but we don't know."

"One always has the hope of improving relations with the US government," Chavez said during a meeting with foreign correspondents. "We have the hope, and it's in our plans, to enter a phase of better relations."

McCain spokesman Brian Rogers dismissed Chavez's remarks.

"We weren't expecting his endorsement. The attacks of a thug and dictator are a badge of honor for John McCain," Rogers said.

Since taking office in 1999, Chavez has emerged as Latin America's most outspoken critic of the US while forging strong ties with Washington's foes such as Syria, Iran and Cuba.

Chavez said he hopes for a change even if McCain does win the November elections, saying "one might think he's going around looking for votes, hard votes from the right, votes in Florida."

US officials argue Chavez is a destabilizing force in Latin America, but they say they are aiming for a pragmatic approach to diplomacy that would acknowledge political differences while allowing progress in areas like counter-drug cooperation.

Chavez said he hoped for a return to the openness of the Clinton years.

"One would at least hope for the kind of relations that we had with Clinton: There was dialogue, things were discussed, there was no lack of respect, or attacks," he said.

Chavez said Venezuela must be on alert for any US attempts to undermine his government during Bush's final year in office.

"The devil is dangerous while retreating defeated -- a tiger wounded in the jungle," Chavez said.
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