Senator Bill Nelson said he hopes the U.S. and Venezuela can begin a new era in their relationship, which, he said, has been strained over the past decade.
Nelson spoke to NBC 6 after the death of Hugo Chavez was announced on Tuesday.
“The time is now to bring and heal and mend the country and bring people together,” said Nelson.
PHOTOS: The life of Hugo Chavez
Now, he hopes for a good transition as Venezuela faces the upcoming changes.
“Hopefully now there will be a peaceful transition to power with real meaningful democratic reforms in Venezuela,” said Nelson.
In addition to the peaceful transition, Nelson said he hopes Venezuela holds presidential elections
Click here to read about Chavez's life.
“With the new election, the people will be able to speak their own mind,” said Nelson. “I believe that there is a lot of opposition of Chavez that is not necessarily going to his vice president.”
Nelson said he hopes the United States and Venezuela can begin a new era in their relationship, something he said has been strained over the past decade.
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