CARACAS, VENEZUELA (AP) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is willing to talk with Barack Obama if the Democratic candidate wins Tuesday's election.

Chavez says that relations between Venezuela and the U.S, now at their lowest point in years, could improve in an Obama presidency.

During a televised speech on Sunday, Chavez said he would meet with Obama only "on equal and respectful terms."

Chavez ordered the U.S. ambassador out of Venezuela on Sept. 12, accusing the envoy of involvement in a purported assassination plot. U.S. officials deny it.

He also recalled his ambassador from Washington and suggested that relations would not be fully restored until U.S. President George W. Bush leaves the White House.

"Hopefully with Obama, we will enter a new phase," Chavez said.

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