US wishes Venezuelan president Chavez a speedy recovery
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WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States on Tuesday wished Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez a speedy recovery as he battles cancer in a hospital in Cuba, just two days before he is due to be sworn in for a new term.
"Obviously we are, as we would be for anybody suffering what he is suffering, concerned for his health, and wishing a speedy recovery," State Department spokesman Victoria Nuland said.
Venezuela's top opposition leader Henrique Capriles on Tuesday urged the Supreme Court to rule on whether Mr Chavez's re-inauguration planned for Thursday can be postponed, as his government has argued.
Mr Chavez, a staunch leftist and foe of the United States, is scheduled to take the oath of office on Thursday following his October re-election. But he is recovering from cancer surgery in Havana, his fourth operation in 18 months, and it is not clear whether he will make it to the ceremony in Caracas.
