Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says he is happy with the new face in the White House but expects little change in Washington-Caracas ties. In a speech in the Venezuelan city of Barcelona on Tuesday , Chavez cautioned new US President Barack Obama that Venezuela will continue on its path to socialistic 'revolution' despite possible US pressure, AFP reported.
"No one here holds any illusions. This is the North American empire we're talking about," he said, referring to the United States political system.
However, the Venezuelan leader remained upbeat about Obama's vision of change in US policies, saying, "Hopefully the new president will represent a true change in relations with countries in the Third World, one of respect for sovereignty and the freedom of the people."
Chavez also expressed delight over former US President George W. Bush's departure from the White House, noting, "We are happy that the government of a president that brought terror and violence to the world has gone."