1.   A direct clash with the United States may be brewing, particularly if the Venezuelan leader suffers political reversals at home and starts looking for scapegoats.

2.   A year ago, the situation was so dire that Venezuelan leaders banned imports of Christmas trees and garlic bulbs to stem an exodus of currency from the country.

3.   Indeed, Venezuelan leaders looking for an increase in their approval ratings have periodically handed out land titles.

4.   Venezuelan leaders are now trying to soothe feelings in U.S. financial and political circles.

5.   But, Pastrana noted that the Venezuelan leader had expressed interest in helping end the decades-long guerrilla war in neighboring Colombia.

6.   Chavez and Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson planned to create a commission on bilateral relations before the Venezuelan leader returns to Caracas late Friday.

7.   Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan leader, also attended, making his first trip abroad since the failed coup against him in April.

8.   Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan leader, was making his first trip abroad after the failed coup against him in April.

9.   On Tuesday, Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez is to join the conference in Tobago, at an all-day retreat.

10.   Supporters of President Hugo Chavez on Sunday protested for the second time in a week against newspapers that the Venezuelan leader has accused of lying about his government.