Ernesto Villegas is the Information Minister.

 

　　"After the delicate surgery of this past December 11, Comandante Chavez has faced complications as a result of a severe lung infection. This infection has caused a breathing insufficiency that requires Comandante Chavez to comply strictly with medical treatment."

 

　　Chavez has been hospitalized in Cuba since December 11th, after undergoing a 4th surgery to remove cancer from his pelvic region.

 

　　The 58-year old is supposed to be sworn in on for his next 6-year term on Thursday.

 

　　The opposition in Venezuela has been calling for a new election should Chavez not be sworn in on time.

 

　　However, his government has been rejecting this assertion, saying Chavez can be sworn in at a later date.