Opposition: It is irresponsible to say that Chávez is ruling

The opposition alliance United Democratic Panel (MUD) adopted on Wednesday a point-blank stance regarding the situation facing Venezuela because of President Hugo Chávez's critical health condition, 22 days after he underwent an operation for cancer. The alliance demanded government officials to explain in an "objective and reliable" manner the current state of health of the president and his medical prognosis.

"It is fundamental to call for them to say the truth. When the patient is a Head of State who has just been re-elected for another term, there are implications that affect the entire nation," said Executive Secretary of opposition alliance United Democratic Panel (MUD) Ramón Guillermo Aveledo. Further, he declared that the information provided on Tuesday nigh by Executive Vice-President Nicolás Maduro in an interview with multi-state television network Telesur from Cuba "is insufficient because it omits key data (...) The government is not acting with transparency."

"Secrecy is the source of the rumors that increase uncertainty and cause distress," he added.

He asked government spokesmen to "respect Venezuelans and live up to their sensitive role (...) Put the national interest first and remember you have to be the government of all Venezuelans."

Aveledo said the opposition has been respectful about the health situation of President Chavez. "We do understand the situation his family, friends and supporters around the country are facing, and therefore we reiterate our words of support," he said.

The opposition leader highlighted that on January 10 the current presidential term ends and another begins. Therefore, he emphasized that "there is no continuation of the current government."

"The Constitution establishes a renewable, six-year constitutional term, rather than an indefinite presidency. Should the elected president not attend his inauguration for reasons related to his illness, the constitutional provisions regarding temporary vacancies shall be adopted. "

"Making the country believe that the President is ruling is a lack of seriousness that borders irresponsibility, abuse of his person, his name, and all Venezuelans (...) Venezuelans need to be reassured that the State is not halted," he stressed.