Venezuelans swear ‘absolute loyalty’ to Chavez

VENEZUELA: Thousands of Venezuelans fervently swore “absolute loyalty” to Hugo Chavez Thursday in a giant rally for the cancer-stricken President on what was to have been his inauguration.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro led the crowd in the oath, which was repeated by roaring supporters of the absent leader, who packed central Caracas in a massive show of support at time of deep uncertainty over the country’s future.

“Comandante, get better, because this people has sworn and is going to show absolute loyalty. So we have sworn. Long live Chavez!” Maduro said. The collective oath was taken at the end of a speech by Maduro that lavished praise on Chavez and his socialist revolution, and accused the opposition of harboring desires for a coup.

He urged the police to closely watch what the opposition does, accusing them of “looking to stain this special moment in this life of our peoples.” Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets streaked the length of this mountain valley as allies from around the region took turns showering praise on Chavez and pledging their undying support.

AFP