The Dominican ambassador in Caracas, Manuel Morales Lama, has expressed optimism for a diplomatic reconciliation between the two countries, currently locked into a dispute over alleged Dominican complicity in a conspiracy against the Venezuelan government, which led to the present suspension of Venezuelan oil exports to the DR. Morales Lama feels, however, that an end to the conflict is in sight: “The important thing is that we are on that route and the situation is improving. Nothing has happened that is beyond repair.” He made this statement following his meeting with Venezuelan Vice-President Jose Vicente Rangel. The Dominican ambassador said that former Venezuelan President Carlos Andres Perez, believed by the current administration in Caracas to be at the head of the alleged plot, left the Dominican Republic on 9 August, and according to Morales Lama, he has no plans to return to the country.