video transcript

EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 MATERIAL The successor to the ailing Hugo Chavez says the the president is aware of the severity of his condition. Vice President Nicolas Maduro is in Cuba where President Chavez is recovering from a fourth cancer operation. (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VICE PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO SAYING: " He is absolutely aware of the complex, post-operative phase and he expressly asked us to always keep the people informed..." Maduro urged Chavez supporters not to believe rumours that the 58-year old was close to death. Chavez suffered unexpected bleeding as result of a complex, six-hour operation on his pelvic region in December, and later had to fight off a respiratory infection. If Chavez steps down, new elections would be called within 30 days. Maduro would be the ruling Socialist Party candidate.