Newsvine - ernesto-villegas

Newsvine - ernesto-villegashttp://www.newsvine.com/ernesto-villegasNewsvine - ernesto-villegasen-usCopyright 2013Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:40:36 +0000Wed, 22 May 2013 10:11:24 +0000http://www.newsvine.comhttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssVP: Chavez recovery favorable after complications http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/07/15750154-vp-chavez-recovery-favorable-after-complicationshttp://www.newsvine.com/_news/2012/12/07/15750154-vp-chavez-recovery-favorable-after-complicationsvenezuelachavezhugo-chavezworld-newsltnicolas-maduroernesto-villegasFri, 7 Dec 2012 11:50:30 +0000http://activitystrea.ms/schema/1.0/post

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FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 file photo, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, during a press conference at the Miraflores palace in Caracas, Venezuela. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has arrived back home in Caracas after 10 days of medical treatment in Cuba. State television showed images of Chavez arriving at Caracas' airport early Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, and walking down the steps of the presidential jet. (AP Photo/Nicolas Garcia, File)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez , center, is flanked by his daughters; Rosa Virginia , right, and Maria Gabriela upon their arrival to Simon Bolivar airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas. Venezuela, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. Chavez has arrived back home in Caracas after 10 days of medical treatment in Cuba. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office/Marcelo Garcia)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, left, speaks with his Defense Minister Diego Molero upon his arrival to Simon Bolivar airport in Maiquetia, near Caracas. Venezuela, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. Chavez arrived back home in Caracas after 10 days of medical treatment in Cuba. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)In this picture released by Cuba's state newspaper Granma, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, left, speaks to Cuba's President Raul Castro, center, before the South American leader departs for Venezuela from the Jose Marti airport in Havana, Cuba, Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. Chavez returned home to Caracas early Friday after 10 days of medical treatment in Cuba. (AP Photo/Granma)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez holds up a crucifix during a televised speech form his office at Miraflores Presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. Chavez announced Saturday night that his cancer has returned and that he will undergo another surgery in Cuba. Chavez, who won re-election on Oct. 7, also said for the first time that if his health were to worsen, his successor would be Vice President Nicolas Maduro.(AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez , left, speaks beside his Vice-President Nicolas during a televised speech form his office at Miraflores Presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. Chavez announced Saturday night that his cancer has returned and that he will undergo another surgery in Cuba. Chavez, who won re-election on Oct. 7, also said for the first time that if his health were to worsen, his successor would be Vice President Nicolas Maduro.(AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez , right, kisses a crucifix beside the President of the national Assembly Diosdado Cabello during a televised speech form his office at Miraflores Presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. Chavez announced Saturday night that his cancer has returned and that he will undergo another surgery in Cuba. Chavez, who won re-election on Oct. 7, also said for the first time that if his health were to worsen, his successor would be Vice President Nicolas Maduro.(AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, center, holds up a copy of national constitution as President of the Assembly Diosdado Cabello, left, and Vice- President Nicolas Maduro looks on during a televised speech form his office at Miraflores Presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. Chavez announced Saturday night that his cancer has returned and that he will undergo another surgery in Cuba. Chavez, who won re-election on Oct. 7, also said for the first time that if his health were to worsen, his successor would be Vice President Nicolas Maduro.(AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)FILE - In this Dec. 18, 2007 file photo Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, left, talks to then Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro at the University of Uruguay in Montevideo, Uruguay. Chavez is heading back to Cuba on Sunday Dec. 9, 2012 for more surgery for cancer, announcing on television that the illness has returned after two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez acknowledged the seriousness of his situation in an address Saturday night, saying for the first time that if he suffers complications Vice President Nicolas Maduro should take his place as Venezuela's leader and continue his socialist movement.(AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico, File)ALTERNATIVE CROP OF XFLL103,- In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez kisses a crucifix during a televised speech form his office at Miraflores Presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. Chavez announced Saturday night that his cancer has returned and that he will undergo another surgery in Cuba. Chavez, who won re-election on Oct. 7, also said for the first time that if his health were to worsen, his successor would be Vice President Nicolas Maduro.(AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)FILE - In this Nov. 30, 2012 file photo, Venezuela's Vice-President Nicolas Maduro exits a staging area after an official group photo during a UNASUR meeting in Lima, Peru. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced on television Saturday is heading back to Cuba on Sunday Dec. 9, 2012 for more surgery for cancer. Chavez acknowledged the seriousness of his situation saying for the first time that if he suffers complications Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should take his place as Venezuela's leader and continue his socialist movement. (AP Photo/Martin Mejia, File)A woman holds a picture of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez as supporters gather at Simon Bolivar square in Caracas,Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)Women react as they gather at Simon Bolivar square in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in Caracas,Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)ALTERNATIVE CROP OF XFLL103,- In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez kisses a crucifix during a televised speech form his office at Miraflores Presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012. Chavez announced Saturday night that his cancer has returned and that he will undergo another surgery in Cuba. Chavez, who won re-election on Oct. 7, also said for the first time that if his health were to worsen, his successor would be Vice President Nicolas Maduro.(AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)Women react as they gather at Simon Bolivar square in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A woman reacts a supporters of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez gather at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas,Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A woman holds a picture of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez as supporters gather at Simon Bolivar square in Caracas,Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A woman holds a picture of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez as supporters gather at Simon Bolivar square in Caracas,Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A person holds up an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez among religious images during a demonstration in support of him at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)People attend a demonstration in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)People pray during a demonstration in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A Venezuelan woman cheers during a demonstration in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in front of the embassy of Venezuela in Havana, Cuba, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)A woman reacts during a demonstration in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A woman, center, gestures during a demonstration in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A person holds up an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez during a demonstration in support of him at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A woman embraces an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez during a demonstration in support of him at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A person holds up an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez during a demonstration in support of him at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A woman, right, reacts during a demonstration in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)People attend a demonstration in support of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)Venezuelan residents in Cuba gather in support of President Hugo Chavez in front of the embassy of Venezuela in Havana, Cuba, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)A woman wears a pin with a picture of President Hugo Chavez that reads in Spanish 'love is repaid with love' as Venezuelan residents gather in support of Chavez in front of the embassy of Venezuela in Havana, Cuba, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)A woman holds an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez during a demonstration in support of him at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez was heading back to Cuba on Sunday for more cancer surgery after announcing that the illness returned despite two previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)Supporters of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez gather during a vigil in Managua, Nicaragua, Sunday Dec. 9, 2012. Chavez is to return to Cuba Sunday for another surgery in his battle against cancer, which has led him to speak publicly of a successor for the first time. Chavez said Saturday that if there are "circumstances that prevent me from exercising the presidency further" Vice-President Nicolas Maduro should replace him for the remainder of his term.(AP Photo/Esteban Felix)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, center, blows a goodbye kiss prior to boarding his plane at the Simon Bolivar International airport in Maiquetia near Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Dec 10, 2012. For the first time, Chavez has designated a political heir, who said that if he suffers complications, Vice President Nicolas Maduro should be elected as Venezuela's leader to continue his socialist movement. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez holds a sword that once belonged to independence hero Simon Bolivar at a meeting with his Cabinet, at Miraflores Presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, Dec 10, 2012. Chavez met with his Cabinet Monday morning, prior to his departure to Cuba for a third cancer operation. For the first time, Chavez has designated a political heir, who said that if he suffers complications, Vice President Nicolas Maduro should be elected as Venezuela's leader to continue his socialist movement. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Marcelo Garcia)Ecuador's President Rafael Correa, center, greets reporters upon his arrival at the Jose Marti International airport in Havana, Cuba, Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. Correa traveled to Cuba to visit Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who arrived in Cuba early Monday for a third cancer operation. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa)In this picture released Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012 by Cuba's state newspaper Granma, Cuba's President Raul Castro, right, receives Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Jose Marti International airport in Havana, Cuba, Monday, Dec. 10, 2012. Chavez arrived in Cuba on Monday for a fourth cancer-related operation after designating the vice president as his political heir. (AP Photo/Granma)U.S. actor Sean Penn, center, who is in Bolivia to attend the hearing of Jacob Ostreicher, participates in a vigil for Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday Dec. 10, 2012. Chavez's cancer relapse and his sudden announcement that he will undergo a fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba have thrown Venezuela's future into question. Ostreicher is being held in a Bolivian prison in the eastern provincial capital of Santa Cruz while authorities investigate him for money laundering. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)A person holds a candle and a Venezuelan flag during a vigil for Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday Dec. 10, 2012. Chavez's cancer relapse and his sudden announcement that he will undergo a fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba have thrown Venezuela's future into question. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)People participate in a vigil for Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in La Paz, Bolivia, Monday Dec. 10, 2012. Chavez's cancer relapse and his sudden announcement that he will undergo a fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba have thrown Venezuela's future into question. (AP Photo/Juan Karita)A man gets his hair cut at a street barbershop decorated with a images of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in downtown Caracas,Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Chavez was preparing to undergo a new cancer surgery on Tuesday in Cuba, his government said, after his illness reappeared despite a year and a half of surgeries and treatments. The Venezuelan president announced on Saturday that he needed to undergo a fourth cancer-related surgery after tests showed that "some malignant cells" had reappeared in the same area in his pelvic region where tumors were previously removed. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A man gets his hair cut at a street barbershop decorated with a images of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in downtown Caracas,Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Chavez was preparing to undergo a new cancer surgery on Tuesday in Cuba, his government said, after his illness reappeared despite a year and a half of surgeries and treatments. The Venezuelan president announced on Saturday that he needed to undergo a fourth cancer-related surgery after tests showed that "some malignant cells" had reappeared in the same area in his pelvic region where tumors were previously removed. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)People, one holding an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, gather to pray for him at Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Doctors began operating on Chavez in Cuba, his government said, after his cancer reappeared despite a year and a half of surgeries and treatments. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A person holds an image of the Venezuelan saint Jose Gregorio Hernadez as people gather to pray for Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at the Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Doctors began operating on Chavez in Cuba, his government said, after his cancer reappeared despite a year and a half of surgeries and treatments. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A person holds up images of Venezuela's President Hugo, right, and Venezuela's independence hero Simon Bolivar as people gather to pray for Chavez at Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Doctors began operating on Chavez in Cuba, his government said, after his cancer reappeared despite a year and a half of surgeries and treatments. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A man holds up an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez as people gather to pray for him at Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Doctors began operating on Chavez in Cuba, his government said, after his cancer reappeared despite a year and a half of surgeries and treatments. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)People gather to pray for Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at Simon Bolivar square in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Doctors began operating on Chavez in Cuba, his government said, after his cancer reappeared despite a year and a half of surgeries and treatments. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)Supporters of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez pray as he is under surgery during a vigil at Simon Bolivar square in Caracas,Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Doctors began operating on Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Cuba, his government said, after his cancer reappeared despite a year and a half of surgeries and treatments. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's Vice-President Nicolas Maduro, center, accompanied by other members of the cabinet, delivers a speech at the presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Maduro said on Venezuelan television Chavez was recovering in Cuba after an operation targeting an aggressive cancer that has defied multiple treatments. The operation was "complex" but was completed "correctly and successfully," he said. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Francisco Batista)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's Vice-President Nicolas Maduro, center, accompanied by other members of the cabinet, spekas for Venezuelan Television at the presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Maduro said Chavez was recovering in Cuba after an operation targeting an aggressive cancer that has defied multiple treatments. The operation was "complex" but was completed "correctly and successfully," he said. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Francisco Batista)A student holds her teacher's hand at the start of the school day at the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela school where a poster of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez hangs on the wall in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. Chavez was recovering in Cuba on Tuesday after an operation targeting an aggressive cancer that has defied multiple treatments and has prompted the socialist leader to name a political successor. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes)ALTERNATIVE CROP OF XFLL111.- In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's Vice-President Nicolas Maduro speaks for Venezuelan Television at the presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. Maduro said Chavez was recovering in Cuba after an operation targeting an aggressive cancer that has defied multiple treatments. The operation was "complex" but was completed "correctly and successfully," he said. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Francisco Batista)In this photo released by Miraflores Press Office, Venezuela's Vice President Nicolas Maduro, center, addresses the nation on live television flanked by Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez, left, and National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. Maduro said that Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez will face a "complex and hard" process after undergoing his fourth cancer-related operation in Cuba on Tuesday. Over the weekend, Chavez named Maduro as his chosen political heir. (AP Photo/Miraflores Press Office, Efrain Gonzalez)Ecuador's President Rafael Correa gestures during a press conference in Quito, Ecuador, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. Correa expressed hope that Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez recovers from his fourth cancer surgery as soon as possible. Correa also said: "Commander Chavez is very important for Latin America, but if he can't stay at the front of Venezuela, the process of change must continue." (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)A woman places flowers in front of an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez in preparation for a mass in support of him in Managua, Nicaragua, Wednesday Dec. 12, 2012. Venezuela's Information Minister Ernesto Villegas expressed hope about the Chavez's returning home for his Jan. 10 swearing-in for a new six-year term after his cancer surgery in Cuba, but said in a written message on a government website that if Chavez doesn't make it, "our people should be prepared to understand it." (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)A man prepares a Venezuelan flag next to an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez before a mass in support of him in Managua, Nicaragua, Wednesday Dec. 12, 2012. Venezuela's Information Minister Ernesto Villegas expressed hope about Chavez returning home for his Jan. 10 swearing-in for a new six-year term after his cancer surgery in Cuba, but said in a written message on a government website that if Chavez doesn't make it, "our people should be prepared to understand it." (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)A woman leans against a wall during an outdoor church service in front of the National Assembly, where supporters of Venezuela's ailing President Hugo Chavez gathered to pray for his health in Caracas,Venezuela, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Venezuelans were warned that Chavez may not be well enough after his fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba to be inaugurated on Jan. 10. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A woman recites the rosary at a local Catholic church where supporters of the ailing President Hugo Chavez gathered to pray for his health, in Caracas,Venezuela, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Venezuelans were warned that Chavez may not be well enough after his fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba to be inaugurated on Jan. 10. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)A woman donning images of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez attends an outdoor church service in front of the National Assembly, where supporters of gathered to pray for his health, in Caracas,Venezuela, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Venezuelans were warned that their ailing president may not be well enough after his fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba to be inaugurated on Jan. 10. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)Ecuador's President Rafael Correa gestures during a press conference in Quito, Ecuador, Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012. Correa expressed hope that Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez recovers from his fourth cancer surgery as soon as possible. Correa also said: "Commander Chavez is very important for Latin America, but if he can't stay at the front of Venezuela, the process of change must continue." (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)A woman holds a trio of images showing Venezuelan St. Jose Gregorio Hernandez, top, renowned as the ``Doctor of the Poor''; a laminated holy card of Jesus Christ; and an image of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, at a church service where supporters of the ailing president gathered to pray for his health, in Caracas,Venezuela, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Venezuelans were warned that Chavez may not be well enough after his fourth cancer-related surgery in Cuba to be inaugurated on Jan. 10. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)