Venezuela, U.S. to Hold Talks on Air Dispute

Venezuela has suspended a threat to restrict flights by U.S. airlines after the two governments agreed to hold talks to end a dispute over aviation rights, said William Brownfield, the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela.

The South American country had threatened to suspend or limit flights by American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Delta Air Lines from March 30 if the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration did not lift decade-old restrictions on Venezuelan airlines flying to the United States.

The airline spat had tested fraying ties between Washington and the government of left-wing President Hugo Chavez, who has clashed with American officials over his alliance with Cuba and his fierce opposition to U.S. free-market proposals in South America.