U.S official expelled from Venezuela

(00:51) Rough Cut

Sep 12 - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez orders the U.S. ambassador out of the oil exporting country in an escalating battle with Washington.

"Go to hell, shit yankees, we are a dignified people, go to hell 100 times," Chavez shouted at a political rally to thousands of roaring supporters.

Chavez's move came a day after Bolivian President Evo Morales, one of his closest allies, expelled the U.S. ambassador in La Paz on accusations that he was instigating violent protests in the Andean nation.

The United States responded on Thursday by ejecting Bolivia's ambassador in Washington, and Chavez said the United States should send back Venezuela's top envoy straight away.

SOUNDBITE:

HUGO CHAVEZ, PRESIDENT OF VENEZUELA SAYING (SPANISH):

"The ambassador has seventy two hours to leave Venezuelan territory. Immediately, Mr. Chancellor Maduro, immediately, send for our ambassador before they throw him out of there. Our ambassador, the great companero Bernardo Alvarez should return to his country. When there is a new government in the United States we will send our ambassador, a government that respects the people of Latin America and Simon Bolivar's America. Go to hell, shit Yankees, we are a dignified people, go to hell 100 times."