April 30, 2005
Brazil's president says U.S.-and Venezuelan relations are improving

(AP Worldstream) - " President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said his worries over rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela were dispelled after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

'I don't see any chance of a major conflict between the United States and Venezuela,' Silva said at news conference, his first since taking office in 2003 (.) I think giant strides are being made toward a harmonious relationship between the United States and Venezuela,' he said. 'After meeting with the Secretary of State, I am convinced that things will get much better from now on, and Brazil will do whatever it can to help.'

The key is U.S. dependence on Venezuela as an oil supplier, he said.