Venezuela's Hugo Chavez suffers 'new complications'
Vice president describes Chavez's condition after cancer surgery as 'delicate'
The Associated Press
Posted: Dec 30, 2012 8:50 PM ET
Last Updated: Dec 30, 2012 11:07 PM ET
Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, has had four cancer-related surgeries in 18 months. (Marcelo Garcia/Miraflores Press Office/AP)
Hugo Chavez has suffered "new complications" following his cancer surgery in Cuba, his vice president said Sunday, describing the Venezuelan leader's condition as delicate.
Vice President Nicolas Maduro did not give details about the complications, which he said came amid a respiratory infection. Maduro spoke in a televised address from Cuba.
Maduro had arrived in Havana on Saturday in a sudden and unexpected trip to visit Chavez. He said Sunday that he had met with Chavez and he "referred to these complications."
"Thanks to his physical and spiritual strength, Comandante Chavez is facing this difficult situation," Maduro said, reading from a prepared statement.
The vice president spoke with a solemn expression alongside Chavez's eldest daughter, Rosa, and son-in-law Jorge Arreaza, as well as Attorney General Cilia Flores.
Maduro said he had met various times with Chavez's medical team and relatives. He said he would remain in Havana "for the coming hours" but didn't specify how long.
The Venezuelan leader has not been seen or heard from since undergoing his fourth cancer-related surgery Dec. 11, and government officials have said he might not return in time for his scheduled Jan. 10 inauguration for a new six-year term.
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