Reuters: Venezuela's Chavez re-elected to extend socialist rule

[visionary]

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americ...816179562.html

Venezuela VP says Chavez 'gaining strength'

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is "gaining strength" and entering a "new phase" of cancer treatment in Cuba, his anointed political heir said, as doubts about his health mount in Caracas.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro said in a statement on Sunday that the absent leader's "vital signs and organ function are stabilising, he is conscious and gaining strength for the next stage".

Maduro's remarks did not go far to address speculation among Venezuela's political foes that Chavez, who has not spoken publicly since December 10, is more ill than has been reported.

Chavez designated Maduro as his deputy before flying to Cuba for a fourth round of cancer surgery on December 11.

Opposition members have demanded Chavez speak to the Venezuelan people in state media if he is able, but he has not.

[visionary]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/...90M1EM20130124

Venezuela's vice president says he's target of assassination plot

Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro said unidentified groups had entered the country with the aim of assassinating him and the head of the National Assembly as President Hugo Chavez recovers from cancer in Cuba.

Maduro provided no proof of the claim, made at a rally on Wednesday to mark the end of a dictatorship in the OPEC nation 55 years ago, but he said action would be taken shortly.

"For several weeks we've been following groups that have infiltrated the country with the aim of making attempts on the life of (Assembly head) Diosdado Cabello and my own," Maduro told a crowd of red-shirted "Chavista" supporters.

"They will not manage it against either of us... Don't be surprised by actions that are taken in coming hours and coming days. Criminals infiltrating our country can't ask for mercy."

[visionary]

http://www.trust.org/alertnet/news/v...ion--minister/

Venezuela's Chavez has overcome respiratory infection -minister

SANTIAGO, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has overcome a serious respiratory infection, but is still being treated for breathing problems after cancer surgery last month, Information Minister Ernesto Villegas told reporters in Chile on Saturday.

Chavez has not been seen in public since he underwent his fourth and most serious cancer operation in Cuba on Dec. 11.

[visionary]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/...9130S720130204

Venezuela's Chavez improving after tough cancer fight: Fidel Castro

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is getting "much better" as he recovers from cancer surgery almost two months ago in Havana, Communist Party newspaper Granma reported on Monday.

Castro, 86, spoke to reporters as he voted on Sunday in Cuba's parliamentary elections in one of his increasingly rare public appearances.

He said he gets daily reports on the condition of Chavez, who is Cuba's top socialist ally and benefactor.

"He is much better, recovering. It has been a tough fight but he is improving," the frail, white-bearded Castro was quoted as saying.

"We have to cure him. Chavez is very important for his country and for Latin America," he said.

[visionary]

Apparently he's not doing as well as Venezuelan officials have been saying.

https://twitter.com/mpoppel

BREAKING -- NBC News: Venezuelan VP says Hugo Chavez is "fighting for his health, for his life."
1:07 p.m.

[pjfootballer]

I hope it's painful.

[visionary]

https://twitter.com/mpoppel

REU: VENEZUELAN CHAVEZ'S BREATHING PROBLEMS HAVE WORSENED, NEW 'SEVERE' INFECTION -OFFICIAL STATEMENT
9:32 p.m

[visionary]

And I thought Chavez was the crazy one there.


https://twitter.com/Reuters

Venezuela's Vice President Maduro to head cabinet meeting on live TV shortly: information minister
12:40 p.m

Venezuela VP Maduro stresses military loyalty, denounces "conspiracies" against government at start of live address http://bit.ly/TMXhrE
1:01 p.m

Venezuela VP Maduro: Cancer was an "attack" by President Chavez's enemies http://bit.ly/TMXhrE
1:04 p.m

Venezuela VP Maduro says U.S. diplomatic attache expelled for plotting against government.
1:08 p.m

[mcsluggo]

he is the sensei.... his grasshoppers have learned at the knees of the master

[visionary]

https://twitter.com/BBCBreaking

Venezuela President Hugo Chavez has died, country's vice-president say
4:54 p.m

https://twitter.com/djfxtrader

Venezuela President Chavez Died at 4:25 PM, Says Maduro, According to Press Reports
4:59 p.m

[SKINS@THEGOALLINE]

MSNBC reports that Hugo Chavez has died.

[thebluefood]

According to the NY Times, the Venezuelans will go to the polls within 30 days. Will this be peaceful? Will the Venezuelans elect another leftist?