CARACAS, Aug. 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Instead of criticizing the US government, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Friday he hoped ties with Washington can improve dramatically if John Kerry wins the US presidential election in November.

    "If Mr. Kerry wins, we hope that a new stage in relations can begin, of frank, sincere and friendly cooperation between the two governments," Chavez said.

    "Tell the US people and government that although we don't understand each other very well, we are their friends," said Chavez during a ceremony awarding a gas development license to a US oil company.

    "If Mr. Bush is reelected in November, we hope that those who advise him can think again," he added.

    Chavez's remarks came nine days prior to the recall referendum on Aug. 15, in which he has to face a vote on his mandate.

    The ties between the two countries have become strained since late February after Chavez accused his US counterpart George W. Bush of financing the opposition's plot against his government.

    In addition, Chavez believed the United States was behind the coup in 2002, which briefly ousted him from office.

    Such denunciations have been denied by the United States, the principal purchaser of Venezuelan oil.

    In the run-up to the Aug. 15 recall referendum, Chavez increased his attacks on Washington.

    Also on Friday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jesus Perez said the US government has become less hostile against Venezuela as it realizes Chavez is certain to win the upcoming vote.

    The US interests are not under threat, "nor do we want to threaten the interests of anyone," Perez said. Enditem