Chavez has ‘severe’ lung infection

No let up: allies vow to uphold Venezuela's socialist agenda

Reuters/Scanpix

Eoin O'Cinneide ,

News Wires

 04 January 2013 11:37 GMT

Hugo Chavez has a “severe lung infection” as he continues his prolonged battle against cancer in a Cuban hospital.

The government in oil-rich Venezuela has warned detractors, however, that there will be no loosening of the socialist grip on the country, which will not cheer international oil and gas companies.

Political opponents of the Venezuelan president have consistently demanded that the government release precise details of Chavez’s medical condition after he suffered complications after undergoing his fourth round of treatment for cancer in Havana.

On Thursday Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said: "Comandante Chavez has faced complications as a result of a severe lung infection.

"This infection has caused a breathing insufficiency that requires (him) to comply strictly with medical treatment.”

Vice…

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