Summit ending on hopeful note for President Obama

By MARK S. SMITH

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad -- President Barack Obama is wrapping up a summit with other leaders in the Western Hemisphere on Sunday the same way he began it: Pledging to reshape the image of the U.S. as a humble partner in addressing problems throughout the region.

"I look forward to hearing more about how the United States can be an effective partner," Obama said just before meeting with leaders from Central American countries.

At the Summit of the Americas on the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, the president was hopeful that he'd boosted the image of the U.S. among its friends in the region - and perhaps even made some new ones. Among those seemingly charmed by the president's promise of a new, more equal partnership was Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, the fiery leftist who famously likened former President George W. Bush to the devil.

After several friendly encounters with Obama, Chavez approached Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton about restoring normal diplomatic ties, officials said. The two countries expelled each others' envoys last September.

"I think President Obama is an intelligent man, compared to the previous U.S. president," Chavez told reporters during the summit.

Obama also was cautiously optimistic about Cuba's offer of comprehensive talks, including previously off-limits subjects like political prisoners and freedom of the press. Cuba's overture followed Obama's move to ease some travel and remittance restrictions.

However, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs stressed Washington would like actions as well as talk.

"We're anxious to see what the Cuban government is willing to step up to do," he said.

As the 34-nation meeting drew to a close, the White House called it a productive one.

"We are confident that we'll go home with some very robust commitments on energy and climate, on ... public security, and a renewal of the region's commitment to democracy," Deputy National Security Adviser Denis McDonough said.