The top US diplomat in Venezuela expressed a willingness Tuesday to seek a less conflictive relationship with President Hugo Chavez after the leftist leader's overwhelming re-election win.

US Ambassador William Brownfield said Washington congratulated Venezuelans on a peaceful vote that saw a high turnout.

"The president was re-elected by the decision of the Venezuelan people," Brownfield told Union Radio. "We recognize that and we're ready, willing and eager to explore and see if we can make progress on bilateral issues."

Venezuela's electoral council Tuesday formally recognized Chavez's win over challenger Manuel Rosales, after a full vote count showed him winning nearly 63 percent in Sunday's election.

Brownfield said the United States and Venezuela share an interest in co-operating on various issues including combating drug trafficking, international crime, terrorism as well as trade and energy issues.

(China Daily December 6, 2006)