Chavez unable to attend swearing-in, officials say

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Raul Arboleda / AFP - Getty ImagesTwo men paint a mural portraying Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez with the slogan "We shall overcome" on the streets of Caracas on Jan. 8, 2013. A constitutional fight over cancer-stricken President Hugo Chavez's status intensified Tuesday with the government planning a massive show of support in the streets on the day he is supposed to be sworn in to a new term. By NBC News staff and wire servicesAiling Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez will not be able to attend the presidential swearing-in ceremony Thursday in Caracas, government sources said Tuesday.

Follow @NBCNewsWorldIn a statement read by National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello, Vice President Nicolás Maduro said Chavez's medical team in Cuba indicated the president's post-surgery recovery time needs to be extended.

Venezuela tensions brew as Chavez remains ill, absent

Venezuela's opposition is accusing  the government of violating the constitution by proposing to delay  Chavez's inauguration for a new term.




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