Bolivia's Morales says Chavez legacy intact
- 11 years ago
As Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez convalesces in Cuba after a fourth cancer surgery, rumours have spread about divisions amongst his followers at home.
But Bolivian President Evo Morales, one of Chavez's leftist allies, rejected the rumours in an interview with Reuters.
Chavez's absence at his January 10 inauguration has fuelled more speculation he will not be able to return to power.
But Morales denied media rumours of rifts between Chavez's anointed successor Nicolas Maduro and long-time aide Diosdado Cabello.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT EVO MORALES SAYING:
"But I'm also worried for Chavez's health. Why do I say this? Because some Venezuelan and international media say the Venezuelan people are at odds. They say Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, the family, (are at odds), that there are three, four or five factions. But this is false."
But Morales said he is confident his legacy will continue.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT EVO MORALES SAYING:
"Of course. Who wouldn't be upset by a historical leader who is having health problems? But I'm convinced that in Venezuela nothing is going to happen. The extreme right in the country and the empire can try, but there's unity with comrade Chavez and his revolution in Venezuela."
Latest reports say Chavez's health is slowly improving after he suffered a lung infection while recovering from his most recent surgery.
But Bolivian President Evo Morales, one of Chavez's leftist allies, rejected the rumours in an interview with Reuters.
Chavez's absence at his January 10 inauguration has fuelled more speculation he will not be able to return to power.
But Morales denied media rumours of rifts between Chavez's anointed successor Nicolas Maduro and long-time aide Diosdado Cabello.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT EVO MORALES SAYING:
"But I'm also worried for Chavez's health. Why do I say this? Because some Venezuelan and international media say the Venezuelan people are at odds. They say Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, the family, (are at odds), that there are three, four or five factions. But this is false."
But Morales said he is confident his legacy will continue.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) BOLIVIAN PRESIDENT EVO MORALES SAYING:
"Of course. Who wouldn't be upset by a historical leader who is having health problems? But I'm convinced that in Venezuela nothing is going to happen. The extreme right in the country and the empire can try, but there's unity with comrade Chavez and his revolution in Venezuela."
Latest reports say Chavez's health is slowly improving after he suffered a lung infection while recovering from his most recent surgery.