U.S. diplomat Roger Noriega, a former ambassador to the Organization of American States, says that reliable "inside sources" have told him that Chávez is "in very serious condition and is not reacting well" to the latest round of treatment. Chávez flew to Havana last weekend in the company of Bolivian president Evo Morales, and predicted that this week's chemotherapy would be his final. Apparently it's not working out that way. Noriega has allegedly told U.S. officials that they should prepare for "a world without Hugo Chávez," or at least one with a greatly reduced Chávez presence.
Noriega says that Chávez is concealing the truth about his condition because he believes he can be reelected only if the Venezuelan people are confident that he is recovering, and that he'll actually be able to serve as president for a few more years. The plan, according to Noriega, is just to get Chávez' name on the ballot, assuming that he is marginally well enough to make a few campaign appearances. Noriega says that Chávez' still wide-spread popularity in the country is not transferable to other political candidates he might endorse.
In Havana today Chávez' brimmed with confidence as he told Venezuelan television, "God willing, this last treatment will be enough."
