LatinNews Daily Report - 25 April 2012

Venezuela | Chávez proof of life video. President Hugo Chávez appeared on Venezuelan TV screens for the first time in 10 days on 24 April, in a clear effort to dispel the growing suspicion that he is losing his battle with cancer. In Cuba, Chávez was shown dressed in a track-suit playing bowls with Foreign Minister Nicolás Maduro, Science Minister (and his son-in-law) Jorge Arreaza and his brother, Adán, who governs the Chávez family’s home state of Barinas. He also made sure to read the daily edition of Cuba’s Granma, recalling the awkwardly staged proof of life videos released from Cuba last year to quell earlier concerns about his condition. Chávez slammed the rumour-mongers, insisting that he needs to pace himself. “This is radiotherapy, just ask anyone who has been through this. Do I need to carry four sacks of cement to show my strength?” “It seems some people want me to run the 100-meter dash or go out and play a baseball game right away. I want to do those things, but it will take time”, he said.  Chávez is expected to return to Caracas on 26 April, but he added that he would have to go back to Cuba within days for further treatment. The 2012 opposition presidential candidate, Henrique Capriles Radonski, has slammed Chávez for “governing by Twitter”.

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