MEXICO CITY, January 6 (RIA Novosti) – Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner plans to visit Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, who is in Cuba following cancer surgery, local media said.
The Argentine leader is expected to fly to Havana on January 10, set as a swearing-in date in Venezuela. The program of the visit will depend on Chavez’s health, Globovision has reported.
Chavez, 58, who has ruled Venezuela for 13 years, underwent four operations for cancer and four courses of chemotherapy in Cuba and Venezuela within a year. He underwent his fourth surgery to remove cancerous tissue in Cuba on December 11.
According to the latest official reports, Chavez is being treated for ''respiratory deficiency'' after complications from a severe lung infection.
Venezuela’s Constitution requires that new presidential elections be held within 30 days, if Chavez is not fit enough to be sworn in.
Government officials loyal to Chavez have said, however, the inauguration could take place at a later date in the Supreme Court if he fails to take the oath of office on January 10 at the National Assembly.
Venezuela’s National Assembly re-elected Diosdado Cabello, a staunch ally of Chavez, as its chief on Saturday. Cabello, 49, could become caretaker president until a new election is held.
