The Ball Goes Back To Bush & Co.

Following his referendum victory, Hugo Chavez has sent a message to the US government, which he has accused of interfering in Venezuela's internal affairs.

"The ball has landed in the centre of the White House," he said in a reference to a metaphor he had used in the campaign, when he said the result would be like a baseball being hit all the way to Washington. "Let's hope that this victory permits the government of the US to respect the government and people of Venezuela."