Chavez warns Obama against 'meddling'

President Hugo Chavez accused Barack Obama of meddling in a Venezuela referendum that could allow him to run for re-election indefinitely.

In a speech to supporters, Mr Chavez accused the US president-elect of supporting the Venezuelan opposition and wanting to see him removed from office.

On Thursday, the top American official in Venezuela, Charge d’Affaires John Caulfield, said the US would seek increased cooperation and “renewed dialogue” with the Chavez government under an Obama administration.

US-Venezuela relations reached a low point in September when Mr Chavez expelled the US ambassador and recalled his envoy from Washington.

But the socialist leader previously expressed hope for improved relations under a new administration, refraining from the confrontational language and insults he constantly hurled against President George Bush.

But Mr Chavez now says Mr Obama is following orders from the Pentagon. “If he doesn’t obey the orders of the empire, they’ll kill him,” he said, without offering proof.