Maduro: Loyal to Chávez until death

The spirit of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez "was so great that his body could not stand it anymore," affirmed Venezuelan Vice-President Nicolás Maduro.

"No other leader in the history of the homeland has been that vilified, scorned, attacked," the heir apparent said in reference to his mentor. Nonetheless, Maduro clarified, that would not touch President Chávez because "he had inside him the mightiest shield that any human can ever have, his candor, his love for Jesus Christ."

After asking the Chávez family for permit, the vice-president said: "We pardon those who slandered him. Shall you be free from all the blame intended to be put on him!"

Maduro related that on Friday, during the State funeral government authorities and persons close to Chávez "met with him as they never wanted, with the most immense grief that may make room in humanity!"

He specified that the "spell of high treason" was broken, because Chávez's supporters will be loyal until death."

"He left everything in order; it is up to us to do it or not."