From VOA Learning English,this is IN THE NEWS in Special English.Venezuelans are remembering President Hugo Chavez,who died after a heart attack earlier this week.The president had not been seen in public since December.For the past two years, Hugo Chavez battled pelvic cancer.He returned to Venezuela last monthfollowing medical treatment in Cuba.He was unable to attend swearing-in ceremoniesfor another term in office in January.On Tuesday, Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduroannounced the death of President Chavez."We're going to miss him until the last day of our livesbut we carry on his legacy hereand we will carry it on with strength."Mr. Maduro said the leader's body will be treatedso people can see it for many years to come.He accused Venezuela's enemies ofattacking the president with cancer.He did not say how that could have been done.Hugo Chavez dreamed of playing major league baseballin the United States,but instead chose to join the Venezuelan army.He was jailed in 1992 for leading an unsuccessful attemptto oust then-president Carlos Andres Perez.In 1998, Hugo Chavez was himself elected presidentafter promising to end poverty and corruption.To help finance social programs, he nationalized,or seized control of, major businesses, including oil companies.Millions of Venezuelans loved himfor using the country's oil wealth to provide low-cost food,free medical care and other programs.However, the United States and much of Latin Americacriticized President Chavez for his social policiesand for nationalizing companies.They also disapproved of his ties with Cuba, Iran and Libya.Observers are wondering what will happen to relationsbetween Venezuela and the United States in the coming months.After the Venezuelan leader's death,President Obama said the United Stateswas re-confirming its support for the Venezuelan people.President Chavez repeatedly accused the United States ofworking against his socialist revolution.In 2002, the Bush administration supported an effortto oust the Venezuelan leader.The overthrow attempt failed.Over the years, Venezuela has remained a major supplier ofoil to the United States.It also provides free heating oilto poor Americans through a non-profit group.Philip Brenner is with American University in Washington.He says relations between the nations would be betterif the United States recognized Venezuela's actionsand not symbolic speech."I think the important thing to remember about Venezuelais that they have never even threatened to cut off our oil.Venezuela has done nothing to actually harm U.S. interestsexcept to challenge U.S. dominance."Shortly after the death of President Chavez,Vice President Maduro announced the expulsion of two American diplomats.He said they were planning to weaken the Venezuelan government.The United States has rejected his claim.Go to 51voa.com for more...