CARACAS, Venezuela, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez told the U.S. government he rejects the recent appointment of Larry Palmer as U.S. ambassador to Caracas.
The Venezuelan Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs said it delivered a note of protest to Darnall Steuart of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas.
Voice of America, the broadcaster for the U.S. government, reported Sunday Palmer told a U.S. senator about low morale in the Venezuelan military, and that Palmer said he was worried Colombian rebels would find refuge in Venezuela.
Both remarks upset Chavez, the VOA reported.
The Venezuelans' note said the U.S. Senate "is just a step from confirming the appointment of Larry Palmer as the U.S. ambassador to Caracas, despite Palmer's unacceptable remarks that caused the withdrawal of the agreement granted by the [Venezuelan] government in good faith. "
The Venezuelan Embassy said the U.S. appointment of Palmer reflects historical intervention and aggression against Venezuela.
"The U.S. assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs, Arturo Valenzuela, published on his Web site that they had approved his appointment and that he would travel to Venezuela. If he comes here, grab him, (Minister) Nicolas (Maduro), grab him," Chavez said.
"Give Mr. Palmer a coffee from me, and then he has to return to his country. Bye-bye," said Chavez.
