Rumours swirl as Chavez stays out of sight (Update: Hugo Chavez 'battling for his life', says VP)
Source: AFP Via Sydney Morning Herald
February 28, 2013 - 2:43PM (Australia time)
Laurent Thomet
Caracas: With President Hugo Chavez still out of sight, the Venezuelan government has denied any rift with the army as it led a rally in Caracas to mark the anniversary of a popular but deadly revolt.
Thousands of people clad in red rallied in the capital on Wednesday, many wearing shirts bearing the image of the leftist leader, and others holding signs reading "I am Chavez" as they marked the massacre of hundreds of people in 1989.
The rally came as Twitter lit up with speculation - none of it confirmed - that Mr Chavez had died. Thursday's rally was the first in Caracas since Mr Chavez, 58, checked into a military hospital in the capital nine days ago after spending two months in Cuba, where he underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery in 18 months.
"Have no doubt that we will defend the beautiful work of commander Hugo Chavez Frias," Vice-President Nicolas Maduro told the crowd at Plaza Caracas square, with several military chiefs standing behind him.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/world/rumours-swirl-as-chavez-stays-out-of-sight-20130228-2f80y.html
Update from the BBC:
Hugo Chavez 'battling for his life', says VP Maduro
1 March 2013 Last updated at 09:06 GMT
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is "battling for his health, for his life", his deputy Nicolas Maduro says.
"Our commander is sick because he gave his life for those who don't have anything," he said on Venezuelan TV.
Mr Chavez has not been seen in public since he had further cancer surgery in Cuba in December and is reported to have a severe a respiratory infection.
The government has previously said Mr Chavez, now back in Venezuela, is running the country from the hospital.
Mr Chavez, who has been in office for 14 years, is believed to have cancer in his pelvic area but his exact illness has never been disclosed.
Read More: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-21622944
= new reply since forum marked as read
Tis a sad day on DU. 
But wait! The "Saint Hugo" threads will soon be born!
And hey, why the speculation about whether he's dead when we all know he laughs at a mere triviality we mortals must endure? Muerto, camaradas? Ciertamente él ha resucitado!
