"We want to see any transition take place in a manner that is consistent with the Venezuelan Constitution, that any election be fully transparent, democratic, free and fair," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said yesterday.
Her comments came just days after the Speaker of the Venezuelan National Assembly hinted the adjournment of Chavez's inauguration date for his fourth term due to his illness.
Asked if Chavez being out of the picture would make it easier to improve long-strained ties between Venezuela and the US, Nuland said, "Obviously we will judge our ability to improve our relationship with Venezuela based on steps they are able to take."
Nuland said the US is following the reports of his health, but they are based on Venezuelan Government information.
