Chávez rejects Palmer's accusations, says close to 'disqualifying' him
Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said he is to evaluate the declarations made by possible future United States Ambassador to his country, Larry Palmer, for considering "severe" his accusations over the presence of Colombian guerrilla fighters on Venezuelan soil and Cuban influence, which put Palmer close to being disqualified. "We're evaluating it," Chávez warned.

"What he's said is very serious," Chávez declared to journalists who consulted him over Palmer's accusations toward the Venezuelan armed forces.

"I almost disqualified him," the head of state added shortly before greeting UNASUR Secretary-General Néstor Kirchner in Caracas, with whom he is to analyze the crisis with Colombia.

In a survey answered at the US senate for his approval, Palmer affirmed that "morale is low" in the Venezuelan armed forces, and he spoke of an alleged Cuban influence in the quarters, which was rejected by the military and by the Venezuelan Defence Ministry.

In Washington, legislative sources said Palmer's application became very complicated due to his sayings, for he spoke of internal Venezuelan affairs and caused a conflict even before being confirmed.

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