Ian Kelly
Department Spokesman
Daily Press Briefing
Washington, DC

Excerpts From the Daily Press Briefing Pertaining to Western Hemisphere Affairs Full Briefing

Also today, the U.S. and Venezuela exchanged diplomatic notes. We have agreed to rescind the declarations of persona non grata issued in September 2008 and return U.S. Ambassador Patrick D. Duddy and Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez to their respective posts in Caracas and Washington. An experienced career diplomat, Ambassador Duddy, of course, enjoys the full confidence of President Obama and Secretary Clinton. With his return, full diplomatic representation will resume. This important step will help advance U.S. interests by improving bilateral communication and enhancing our outreach to the Venezuelan people.

QUESTION: Is he already there?

MR. KELLY: He plans – no, he’s not already there. He plans to arrive, I think, by the end of the week. But he plans to arrive very soon.

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