Shelley McConnell, visiting assistant professor of government, was interviewed for an Associated Press article (4/9/09) about a U.S. Coast Guard drug seizure in Venezuela. The article noted that it is unusual for Venezuela for offer credit to the U.S., having suspended cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in 2005 under president Hugo Chavez.
In the article, McConnell, a Latin America expert, said Venezuela's announcement of cooperation in the seizure could be part of an effort by Chavez to send positive signals to the U.S. ahead of the summit.
"There is probably some messaging going on. Chavez may be sending a message to his friends throughout Latin America and the United States that he hopes to have constructive relationship with Obama," McConnell was quoted as saying.
In the article, McConnell, a Latin America expert, said Venezuela's announcement of cooperation in the seizure could be part of an effort by Chavez to send positive signals to the U.S. ahead of the summit.
"There is probably some messaging going on. Chavez may be sending a message to his friends throughout Latin America and the United States that he hopes to have constructive relationship with Obama," McConnell was quoted as saying.
