President Chávez’ condition complicated by pulmonary infection

CARACAS, January 4 (PL).—Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is facing complications resulting from a severe pulmonary infection, Communication and Information Minister Ernesto Villegas affirmed yesterday.

Speaking on national radio and television, Villegas stated that Vice President Nicolás Maduro asked for the information on Chávez’ medical condition to be broadcast.

Below is the entire text of the official communiqué circulated by Prensa Latina news agency:

The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is fulfilling its duty to inform the Venezuelan and sister peoples of the clinical evolution of President Hugo Chávez.

In the wake of the delicate surgery of this past December 11, Comandante Chávez is facing complications resulting from a severe pulmonary infection.

This infection has led to respiratory insufficiency, requiring Comandante Chávez’ strict compliance with his medical treatment.

The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its confidence in the medical team treating Comandante Chávez, which has constantly monitored the clinical evolution of the patient and has acted with utmost rigor in response to every difficulty presented.

The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela warns the Venezuelan people of the psychological warfare that transnational media networks have unleashed in relation to the health of our head of state, with the intention of destabilizing the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, repudiating the popular will expressed in the presidential elections of last October 7, and destroying the Bolivarian Revolution led by Chávez.

These attempts have come up against the resolute unity of the Bolivarian government, the organized people and the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, around the leadership and political ideology of Comandante Hugo Chávez.