The president told reporters that if he saw the Venezuelan leader at the summit, "I will, of course, be polite."

Simón Bolívar (1783-1830) was a Venezuelan military and political leader.

Venezuelan leaders learned early last year that dissatisfaction can turn to violence.

Indeed, Venezuelan leaders looking for an increase in their approval ratings have periodically handed out land titles.

Simón Bolívar (1783 - 1830) was a Venezuelan military and political leader.

"They present us as aggressors," the Venezuelan leader said, referring to US government officials.

The Venezuelan leader called the arrest "a happy coincidence."

At home, the Venezuelan leader portrays such steps as a kind of aggression by an already unpopular Bush administration.

The Venezuelan leader, who is 57, has often accused the US of plotting to overthrow or even kill him.

The Venezuelan leader reiterated that he had recovered his health after having surgery and chemotherapy for cancer last year.