Relations between Venezuela and the United States are currently "at a standstill" due to the absence of ambassadors in their diplomatic missions, lamented US Chargé d'Affaires in Caracas John Caulfield.

"We are at a standstill," Caulfield said during a debate held in the Inter-American Dialogue in Washington that was also attended by US ambassadors to several South American countries, AFP reported.

"A normal relationship would allow for more dialogue. We do not have that for now," said Caulfield, the Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Caracas since July 2010.

Tensions between Caracas and Washington reignited as Larry Palmer, the US ambassador-designate to Caracas, rejected by Venezuelan authorities.

Additionally, the US Chargé d'Affaires described as "an earthquake for US companies" in Venezuela the announcement of expropriation of Owens-Illinois' unit in October 2010.