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01/02/13 - Yahoo! News (blog) - Venezuela's opposition demands "whole truth" about Chavez health

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's opposition on Wednesday demanded the
government tell "the whole truth" about the health of cancer-stricken
President Hugo Chavez, who has not been heard from in three weeks after
undergoing a grueling operation in Cuba.

Officials have acknowledged the usually garrulous former soldier's health
is delicate after his fourth cancer surgery in 18 months, but have offered
scant details on his condition.

He has not spoken in public in more than three weeks.

Ramon Aveledo, head of the opposition Democratic Unity coalition, slammed
the government for not keeping its word about keeping Venezuelans
informed.

"The official version (of Chavez's health) hides more information than it
gives," Aveledo said at a press conference.

"The vice president himself has promised to tell the truth, whatever it
is. Fine, he should tell it. He should tell the whole truth," said
Aveledo.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro, who Chavez last month designated as his
heir apparent, on Tuesday said in an interview from Havana that Chavez had
recognized the complexity of his post-operative condition.

Maduro said he was returning to Venezuela after several days visiting with
Chavez and his relatives, which may quell rumors his trip to Cuba signaled
the president was in his final days.

Chavez's abrupt exit from the political scene would be a shock for
Venezuela, where his oil-financed socialism has made him a hero to the
poor majority but a nemesis to critics who call him a dictator.

He is still set to be sworn in on January 10, as laid out in the
constitution. If he dies or steps aside, new elections would be held
within 30 days, with Maduro running as the Socialist Party candidate.

DELICATE HEALTH

Chavez suffered unexpected bleeding and a respiratory infection after a
six-hour operation on December 11. Terse official statements have said
nothing about when he might be expected back or whether his life is in
danger.

The government has provided none of the signature videos or pictures
released after Chavez was diagnosed with cancer in June 2011 and his
relapse in 2012. And allies have refused to discuss the possibility that
he could hand over power or resign.

Chavez last year staged what appeared to be remarkable comeback from the
disease to win reelection to a third six-year term in October despite
being weakened by radiation therapy. He returned to Cuba for new treatment
within weeks of his win.

Officials from the ruling Socialist Party are now suggesting his
inauguration could be postponed indefinitely to accommodate his health.

Aveledo insisted the government should stick to the January 10 timeline
called for in the constitution.

"Trying to make the country believe that the President is governing is
absurd to the point of being irresponsible," he said. "January 10 marks
the end of one presidential term and the start of another. As such, there
is no continuation of the current government."

Aveledo said if Chavez cannot make it back in time, he should hand power
over to the president of Congress - who would temporarily run the country
while elections are called.

Congress, controlled by Chavez allies, on Saturday elects a new president.
Current Congress chief Diosdado Cabello, a close Chavez ally who could be
reelected to head the legislature, has at times been considered a rival of
Maduro. The two have taken great pains in recent weeks to publicly deny
this.

While the constitution cites January 10 as the start of the new term, it
does not establish what happens if the president does not take office on
that date.

Chavez's condition is being watched closely by Latin American countries
that have benefited from his generous assistance, as well as Wall Street
investors who are drawn to Venezuela's lucrative and heavily traded bonds.


Original Source / Fuente Original:
http://news.yahoo.com/venezuelas-opposition-demands-whole-truth-chavez-health-194625384.html