WASHINGTON, May 15 (Xinhua) -- The United States has decided to impose an embargo on arms sales to Venezuela because of alleged lack of support for counter terrorism efforts from the Venezuelan government, the State Department said Monday.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at a news conference, May 15, 2006. (Reuters)

    U.S. sales and licensing for the export of defense articles and services to Venezuela, including the transfer of defense items, will be banned, said Darla Jordan, a State Department spokeswoman.

    Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a strong critic of the United States, has repeatedly accused the United States of trying to overthrow him. The United States has rejected the claim and accused Chavez of destabilizing the region.

    Relations have been cold between the United States and Venezuela and In February, Washington ordered a senior Venezuelan diplomat expelled in retaliation for Caracas's move to kick out a U.S. naval attache on espionage charges. Enditem