HAVANA, January 9 (RIA Novosti) - Venezuela's Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled to postpone President Hugo Chavez's inauguration until after he completes a course of treatment for cancer.
“The inauguration can be carried out at a later date before the Supreme Court,” Chief Judge Luisa Morales said a news conference.
Venezuela’s Vice President Nicolas Maduro said on Tuesday Chavez asked parliament to postpone his inauguration, set for Thursday, citing doctors’ recommendations.
The government has said Chavez is too sick to attend the scheduled swearing-in for a new six-year term.
“Right now we cannot say when, how or where the president will be sworn in,” Morales said.
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 opposition has accused the government of violating the constitution which stipulates that new presidential elections are to be held within 30 days if Chavez is not fit enough to be sworn in on the scheduled date.
