VP: Tracheal cannula does not prevent Chávez from communicating

Venezuelan Vice-President Nicolás Maduro stated that Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has overcome the most difficult and high-risk period in his post-operative phase following his fourth cancer operation in Cuba last December.

Maduro remarked that "the very first 40-45 days, the day of the surgery, and the following days were been quite difficult" for the Venezuelan leader, who has been following a highly complex treatment.

The vice-minister reaffirmed that the Venezuelan head of state has issued orders even though he is convalescent. According to Maduro, the tracheal cannula Chávez is using does not prevent the leader from communicating. He also stressed that in Venezuela there is a legitimate Government led by Chávez.

Maduro underscored there are certain aspects that allow the president to continue to be in command: firstly, his condition of "legitimate leader of the revolution;" secondly, the fact that he is surrounded by "a group of men and women subordinated to his leadership;" and, finally, that the president "relies on his loyal people." 

Translated by Jhean Cabrera