US ambassador returns to Venezuela
The US ambassador to Venezuela has returned to his post in Caracas - more than nine months after he was expelled by President Hugo Chavez.
Patrick Duddy said he hopes his return will be "the first step toward more productive relations".
Diplomatic ties between the two nations became strained under the Bush administration.
In September, Mr Chavez expelled Mr Duddy in solidarity with Bolivia's president Evo Morales, who had kicked out the top US diplomat on accusations of inciting violence.
Washington denied the charges and responded by expelling both countries' envoys.
But both Mr Chavez and President Barack Obama have expressed hope for improved relations.
The two governments agreed last week to restore ambassadors.