Chavez Still Whining About America

Does he ever shut up?

Chavez, a strident U.S. critic, has reduced the frequency of tirades against what he calls the "empire" since Obama took office as U.S. president in January, but he returned to the theme in a speech at a workers' march on Friday.

"He says he is here to make changes ... this is not about speeches or smiles, it's about realities," said Chavez, who shook hands warmly with Obama at a meeting of leaders from the Americas.

Chavez, who expelled the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela last year, approached Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the summit to discuss restoring normal ties between the two countries. Chavez has proposed sending a new ambassador to Washington.

He said on Friday that Obama must end a trade embargo Washington imposed on communist-ruled Cuba in 1962.

"If President Obama does not dismantle this savage blockade of the Cuban people, then it is all a lie, it will all be a great farce and the U.S. empire will be alive and well, threatening us," Chavez said.