Talk to us, Venezuela’s Capriles urges Chavez

Venezuela's defeated opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles gives a news conference in CaracasCARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela's opposition leader, Henrique Capriles, called on Wednesday for a proof of life from ailing President Hugo Chavez, who has not been seen publicly since cancer surgery in Cuba five weeks ago. Chavez's signature appeared in the government's official gazette on Wednesday in a decree naming his new foreign minister – though the document wrongly placed him in Caracas. "If the president of the republic can sign decrees, I call on him to show himself, to talk to Venezuela," Capriles said at his inauguration for a new term as Miranda state governor. …

Venezuela’s Chavez says tests show him in good health

Venezuela's President Chavez salutes after a meeting with Belarus' First Deputy PM Semashko at Miraflores Palace in CaracasCARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Saturday medical tests following his cancer treatment show he is in good health, but provided few additional details about an illness that has become an obsession in the OPEC nation. The former soldier's health is seen a key factor in his re-election bid because a serious relapse of his cancer could limit his ability to campaign ahead of the October 7 vote and potentially tip the balance toward opposition challenger Henrique Capriles. …