Venezuela's top diplomat says relations with the United States are "frozen" and President Hugo Chavez's government does not perceive any possibility of improving them after Washington imposed sanctions on the South American nation's state oil company. Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro says he does not see any potential for dialogue with US officials.
Relations have been tense since the State Department slapped sanctions on Petroleos de Venezuela for doing business with Iran. The State Department says Venezuela delivered at least two cargoes of refined petroleum products to Iran between December and March.
Maduro said Sunday that "there's no indication that communication can be initiated."