Maduro: Chávez is acting in full capacity as president

Venezuelan Executive Vice-President Nicolás Maduro on Monday insisted that Hugo Chavez "is acting in full capacity" as president of Venezuela.

Maduro said that Article 231 of the Constitution provides that if Chávez fails to be sworn in on January 10, "the Supreme Tribunal of Justice may set a new date and swear in the president." He stressed, however, that "the president and his government are acting in full capacity and will continue to work for the country."

He reiterated that the opposition seeks to manipulate the Constitution. He described as a "distorted view" the stance of the opposition in connection with President Hugo Chávez's inauguration date.

In this regard, he asked people to remain calm and reject calls to a civic strike.