Venezuela's Maduro says U.S. diplomatic channel 'working well'

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks at the national assembly in Caracas, July 6, 2015. REUTERS/Jorge Dan Lopez

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday that a recently created diplomatic back-channel with the United States is "working very well" at improving communication between the two countries following more than a decade of tensions.

Maduro said U.S. President Barack Obama helped pave the way for improved communication in April, after he distanced himself from an executive order that described the South American nation as a threat to the security of the United States.