Caracas, Feb. 8 (Bloomberg) -- Venezuela said it could grant political asylum to two defecting Cuban doctors, damping increasingly close relations between the two countries.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jose Vicente Rangel said the doctors' request would be reviewed when it is formally received. The pair are part of a 64-member Cuban medical relief team that came to the country after December's devastating floods and mudslides, the nation's worst natural disaster in decades.

National newspapers reported today the pair had defected Jan. 11, and would soon make a formal request for asylum. They said their decision was based on economic reasons rather than political persecution.

"We simply have to respect what our constitution establishes,'' said Rangel, discounting concern that granting them exile would cool relations between the two countries. ``It consecrates the institution of asylum.''

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has come under fire from critics for his close relationship with Cuban President Fidel Castro. Venezuela said in September it would supply the Caribbean country with oil in spite of the U.S. trade embargo.

Feb/08/2000 10:57

(C) Copyright 2000 Bloomberg L.P.

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