Venezuela warns ambassador about remarks

CARACAS, Venezuela, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield that his time in Venezuela could be limited, El Universal reported Friday.

Chavez's warning followed remarks by Brownfield that U.S. companies should be adequately compensated when Venezuela nationalizes the country's largest communications provider CANTV.

Verizon Communications Inc. is the largest minority shareholder of the company.

Earlier this month, Chavez announced that he intended to nationalize several sectors of the Venezuelan economy including telecommunications, electricity and sectors of the petroleum industry.

The Venezuelan leader has accused the United States of meddling in the country's internal affairs.