Some countries in the region have taken new political stances, far away from the United States. What needs to be done to move closer to Latin America?

Everything in this world is like a pendulum. With globalization and the Washington Agreement many promises were made. Then, for some reason, they were not fulfilled. Therefore, many Latin American countries are turning to the left, mostly in reply to their peoples' needs. Now then, is the leftwing to solve the problems? Not at all. We are witnessing it in the country, in Guayana companies, where the situation is near to an outburst. The government is not keeping its word, not even with regard to collective bargaining agreement. As (opposition leader) Teodoro Petkoff said, there are two leftwing trends –one, more moderate, like (Chilean President Michelle) Bachelet and (Brazilian President Luiz Inacio) Lula Da Silva, who understand that economy should be kept, and another, sharper trend. For instance, (Venezuelan) President (Hugo) Chavez has never said so, but everybody already knows we are heading for communism, no matter if they want to name it 21st Century socialism. What the United States should do is to pay more attention to Venezuela and Latin America, because at bottom, there is a mainland that has been ignored for years as they are interested in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now, a hemisphere is turning against the United States, and I think this is dangerous for the United States. This is my personal opinion as a citizen.

Venezuela-US political relations have been strained. How do the two countries manage to separate it from ongoing bilateral trade?

There is a political wording and a commercial wording. Venezuela makes a living from oil. The political speech against the empire, the foe, is quite easy.

Even though the United States is Venezuela's main trade partner?

Yes, because the US government does not buy oil, but private companies Exxon, Chevron. Venezuela will be most affected in the event of not selling oil to the United States. Over 90% of last year income came from oil.

Based on consolidated numbers, how did the bilateral trade end and what are the prospects for 2009?

In 2008, Venezuelan exports totalled $51 billion, 29% more than in 2007; and imports totalled $12.6 billion, a 24$ increase. These numbers were propelled by rising oil prices; but, now, as prices dropped, there will be hard times for Venezuela.

Do you feel a meeting between Chavez and US President Barack Obama is feasible?

Only God knows. Obama has been, as appears from his wording, a conciliator. The chance of a meeting between the two of them would be in Trinidad and Tobago, on April 22nd, at the Summit of the Americas. That would be the right timing.

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