Chavez threatens to expel U.S. ambassador

In Sunday address, Venezuelan president says envoy is provoking people

CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said the U.S. ambassador was "provoking the Venezuelan people" and threatened Sunday to expel the American diplomat, whose convoy was chased by pro-government protesters.

"I'm going to throw you out of Venezuela if you continue provoking the Venezuelan people," Chavez said in a nationally televised speech addressed to U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield.

“Start packing your bags Mister, if you keep on provoking us, start packing your bags, because I’ll kick you out of here,” Chavez said in the speech, part of his regular Sunday television program.

Venezuela's acting foreign minister on Saturday condemned the crowd of protesters for pelting Brownfield's car with eggs and tomatoes, but suggested that Brownfield is partially responsible for failing to advise authorities of his travel plans in order to avert such problems.

Chavez's more incendiary comments came after Washington warned of "severe diplomatic consequence" if a similar incident repeats itself.

Relations between Chavez and Washington have fast deteriorated as the two governments spar over his close ties to Cuba and Iran, and U.S. officials portray the Venezuelan leader as a threat to regional democracy.