Sweaty Palms in Brasilia

Watch out, Bill, you might have some competition. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez crossed paths Saturday at the inauguration of Brazil’s new president and—lo and behold—smiled, shook hands and chatted briefly. —JCL

The BBC:

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have shaken hands in an apparently amicable encounter at a time of tension between the two countries.

They chatted and smiled at the inauguration of Brazil’s new president.

Last week, Venezuela refused to accept the nomination of the new US ambassador to Caracas because of comments he made against the country.

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AP / Eraldo Peres

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton shakes hands with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Saturday in Brasilia. With them are Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos, left, and Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera.