Chavez: I'll Expel U.S. Ambassador

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned that he would expel the U.S. ambassador if he continued "provoking" problems.

"If you continue provoking us, go prepare your bags because I'm going to throw you out of here," Chavez warned U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield during a nationally televised speech.

"I'm going to throw you out of Venezuela if you continue provoking the Venezuelan people," he said.

Chavez's comments come after Washington protested an incident in which pro-government protesters pelted Brownfield's car with eggs and tomatoes last week.

The State Department has warned of "severe diplomatic consequence" if a similar incident repeats itself.

Venezuela condemned the incident but has suggested Brownfield is partially responsible for failing to advise authorities of his plans in order to avert such problems.

"If the Washington government takes some measure against Venezuela motivated by provocations, you will be responsible, you will have to leave here, sir. I will declare you persona non grata in Venezuela," Chavez responded Sunday.

Chavez accused Washington of seeking to escalate tensions and "looking for another incident."

Chavez said Brownfield was partially responsible for the incident for failing to advise the local mayor's office or the foreign ministry of his travel plans.

Brownfield had visited a ballpark in Caracas' Catia slums, a Chavez stronghold, to donate baseball equipment to a youth league.
plans in order to avert such problems.