Hugo Chavez

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says the United States is the reason for the diplomatic rift between his country and Mexico.

Speaking to thousands of his supporters in Caracas Saturday, Mr. Chavez laid the blame for the conflict squarely on President Bush, whom the Venezuelan leader called "Mister Danger."

Mr. Chavez also told the crowd he hoped things "cool off" between Venezuela and Mexico, then he sang several tunes accompanied by a Mexican mariachi band.

Earlier, thousands of people marched in Caracas to show support for Mr. Chavez in his dispute with his Mexican President Vicente Fox. Mr. Chavez has accused Mr. Fox of being a "puppy" of the United States for his support of a U.S.-backed proposal for a hemispheric trade zone.

Venezuela and Mexico have withdrawn their ambassadors over the dispute.