Venezuela says Chavez's re-election sets new basis for US relations

Venezuela's foreign minister said that President Hugo Chavez's re-election has forced the US government to reevaluate its relationship with the South American country and may set the stage for greater bilateral respect.

Nicolas Maduro told reporters after meeting with US Ambassador William Brownfield on Thursday that the United States has "accepted at last" that Venezuela is democratic, calling it "a historic step that could open the opportunity for a respectful dialogue." (AP)