Speaking during the Presidential Palace press conference on occasion of the signing of the DR-Venezuela oil agreement, President Leonel Fernandez offered to mediate so that Venezuela could improve its relations with the United States. “If we can be useful, President Chavez, we are always willing to serve as mediator between Venezuela and the government of the United States so that there may be the best relations possible between those two countries, as well as with the rest of Latin American countries,” said President Fernandez during the press conference.
President Fernandez also used the occasion to, in the name of the Dominican people and his government, congratulate US President Bush on his reelection. As reported in Hoy newspaper, he said that while he is aware that the fight against terrorism will continue to be the top priority of the Bush administration, he urged that Latin America also be given priority. “Latin America should play a higher up role, guided towards the strengthe3ning of democracy and facilitating resources to consolidate our economies, creating prosperity and social order,” he said.