Chavez threatens US ambassador
2006-04-10 10:09
Caracas - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned he would expel the United States ambassador if he continued "provoking" problems.
"If you continue provoking us, go prepare your bags because I'm going to throw you out of here," Chavez warned US Ambassador William Brownfield during a nationally televised speech.
"I'm going to throw you out of Venezuela if you continue provoking the Venezuelan people," he said.
Chavez's comments come after Washington protested an incident in which pro-government protesters pelted Brownfield's car with eggs and tomatoes last week.
The State Department has warned of "severe diplomatic consequence" if the incident repeats itself.
Venezuela condemned the incident but has suggested Brownfield is partially responsible for failing to advise authorities of his plans in order to avert such problems.
- AP