Chavez didn't explain what prompted his decision to try to improve relations just weeks after he accused the U.S. of planning to invade his country.

Officials at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas could not be reached for comment Sunday. There was no immediate reaction from the U.S. State Department or the White House.

GW, I think the U.S. is already giving them the cold shoulder. I noticed that the offer didn't come from the U.S. Fear is a great motivator. Mr. Chavez knows he's in trouble on many fronts inside his own countryand outside as well.