Controversial Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez at the last minute cancelled his plans to attend today’s ceremony to inaugurate Oscar Arias, citing “problems with his agenda,” according to the daily La Nación.

Chávez announced the cancellation Sunday on his radio program “Aló Presidente,” apologizing to Arias for his absence and reiterating his interest in working with Central American countries.

Arias expressed disappointment yesterday in a press conference, saying Chávez’s visit “would have been a good occasion to discuss topics on the agendas of both of our countries,” such as cheaper gas available from Venezuela.

Arias said that upon hearing of Chávez’s cancellation, he decided not to hold the “mini summit” he was planning with Chávez and the Presidents of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe and Ecuador, Alfredo Palacio. Arias had planned to talk with these South American leaders about international commerce and political tension between their governments.

Arias said he would call on Chávez in the future to discuss common interests.

-Tico Times and ACAN EFE