VENEZUELA: Leftist groups hold vigil for President Hugo Chavez in Argentina

Record ID: 447193

  • Title: VENEZUELA: Leftist groups hold vigil for President Hugo Chavez in Argentina
  • Date: 13th December 2012
  • Summary: BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA (DECEMBER 12, 2012) (REUTERS) (NIGHT SHOTS) GENERAL VIEW OF EXTERIOR OF THE NESTOR KIRCHNER GRAND COUNTRY FOUNDATION, PEOPLE GATHERED PARTICIPANTS GATHERED POSTER WITH IMAGE OF VENEZUELA'S PRESIDENT HUGO CHAVEZ SIGN THAT READS: "PRAYER FOR THE HEALTH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS HOLDING CANDLES PASTOR DIEGO MENDIETA LEADING PRAYER VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELA'S AMBASSADOR TO ARGENTINA CARLOS EDUARDO MARTINEZ MENDOZA SAYING: "Logically, we are really worried, naturally, but we are here with a grand sentiment of support, of solidarity, and of love." VENEZUELAN FLAG (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELAN NATIONAL LIVING IN ARGENTINA, ADRIANA GOLIA, SENDING MESSAGE TO CHAVEZ, SAYING: "My fit and handsome man, nothing is happening my love. We are all with you and the people are with you, loving you insanely with passion." VARIOUS OF VIGIL
  • Embargoed: 28th December 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: International Relations,People
  • Reuters ID: LVA5DLP644FHQK96ZCIFVTTKTKPE
  • Story Text: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is in stable condition after his cancer operation in Cuba, Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said on Wednesday (December 12).
    "The medical update indicates that the patient is in stable condition," Villegas read on state TV.
    "The Bolivarian government invites the Venezuelan people and our brotherly nations to accompany President (Hugo) Chavez in this new test with their prayers and expressions of solidarity that strengthens him every day," he added.
    Meanwhile, some 200 people gathered at the Nestor Kirchner Grand Country Foundation in Buenos Aires to hold vigil for Chavez while he is recovering in Havana, Cuba following his fourth cancer surgery since mid-2011.
    Venezuela's ambassador to Argentina Carlos Eduardo Martinez Mendoza told Reuters Television they were worried but offered Chavez support.
    "Logically, we are really worried, naturally, but we are here with a grand sentiment of support, of solidarity, and of love," he said.
    Venezuelan national Adriana Golia sent Chavez her message of love and support.
    "My fit and handsome man, nothing is happening my love. We are all with you and the people are with you, loving you insanely with passion," Golia said.
    In an earlier broadcast, Vice President Nicolas Maduro spoke of "difficult" times ahead, urging Venezuelans to pray for Chavez and to keep faith that he would come home soon from Cuba, where he underwent the surgery on Tuesday.
    Chavez's downturn has opened gaping uncertainty about the future of his self-styled socialist revolution in a nation of 29 million people with the world's largest oil reserves.
    Maduro, whom Chavez has named as a preferred successor should he be incapacitated, offered no medical details on Wednesday but urged Venezuelans to stay hopeful.
    Supporters have been holding prayer vigils, while opponents also sent Chavez best wishes for a successful recovery.
    One government source said Chavez was in critical condition early on Wednesday, but since then his vital signs had improved.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
Register