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January 9, 2013

Venezuela Delays Ailing Chávez's Swearing-In 
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Venezuela has delayed the third-term swearing-in ceremony of President
Hugo Chávez as he continues to receive medical treatment in Cuba.
Chávez has been in Cuba for nearly a month undergoing and recovering
from his fourth surgery for cancer. On Tuesday, the head of Venezuela's
National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, confirmed Chávez is not well
enough to make it back in time for Thursday's swearing-in.

Diosdado Cabello: "The commander president has asked us to inform you
that, in accordance with the recommendations of the medical team that is
taking care of re-establishing his health, the process of post-operative
recovery will extend further than January 10 of this year. Because of
this, he will not be able to appear on that day in front of the National
Assembly."

The delay has sparked a heated dispute between the government and the
political opposition, with Chávez's foes arguing that Cabello should
assume the presidency as head of the National Assembly should Chávez
fail to be sworn in.

 

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