CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez's government assumed control of Venezuela's third-largest bank on Friday — making the state the largest player in the nation's banking system. The purchase of the Spanish-owned Banco de Venezuela gives Chavez's socialist government control over more than one-fifth of bank deposits as he tightens his grip over the economy. The acquisition will "strengthen the public banking system," which favors sectors including agriculture, energy, housing and tourism, Finance Minister Ali Rodriguez said in a statement. In May, the Venezuelan...
Pharmaceutical patents targeted in Venezuela
Denver Post
Denver Post
CARACAS, Venezuela—Venezuelan officials plan to invalidate some pharmaceutical patents and allow domestic manufacturers to produce licensed medicines, an action that could cause shortages and...
Chavez: U.S. Is a Threat to Venezuela
Fox News
Fox News
CARACAS, Venezuela President Hugo Chavez says a U.S. general shouldn't be raising concerns that Venezuela is buying arms, and the American commander is...
US, Venezuela look to exchange ambassadors
The News & Observer
The News & Observer
WASHINGTON -- The United States and Venezuela are working to send ambassadors back to each other's capitals. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters Wednesday that it was unclear when the ambassadors would...
Venezuela and U.S. Are Working to Exchange Ambassadors Again
The New York Times
The New York Times
Venezuela and the United States are working to send ambassadors back to each other's capitals, a State Department spokesman, Ian C....
U.S. Ambassador Returns to Venezuela After Spat
Fox News
Fox News
CARACAS, Venezuela The U.S. ambassador to Venezuela has returned to his post — more than nine months after he was expelled by President Hugo Chavez....
Venezuela boosts control over petrochemicals
The Miami Herald
The Miami Herald
CARACAS -- Lawmakers loyal to President Hugo Chavez gave final approval on Tuesday to a bill paving the way for Venezuela's government to take a minimum 50 percent stake in the country's petrochemical companies. The...
US, Venezuela look to exchange ambassadors after diplomatic spat
Newsday
Newsday
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Venezuela are working to send ambassadors back to each other's capitals. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters Wednesday that it was unclear when the...

