Chavez Backs Off

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has backed away from his recent threats that crude shipments could be halted by what he condemns as U.S. attempts to topple him.

At a natural gas contract ceremoney, Chavez said, "we don't have even the slightest intention of damaging those relations."

"In the last five years we have enough proof, not just words, but proof, that we have supplied oil to the United States in a constant and secure manner," Chavez stated.