Speaking at an international press conference yesterday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expressed hope that the dispute between his country and the Dominican Republic would be soon resolved. The Venezuelan authorities suspended oil sales to the Dominican Republic last month, following claims that the Venezuelan opposition was planning a coup against Chavez from Dominican soil. Chavez maintained yesterday that he had evidence of this alleged plot, but said: “I hope everything is clarified soon. My aim is that our historic and deep-rooted diplomatic relations are returned to normal soon.” Earlier this week, Dominican Foreign Minister Frank Guerrero Prats and his Venezuelan counterpart Roy Chaderton met in New York to discuss the rift.