Venezuelan Government Says Chavez Can Rule Without Oath

Currently in Cuba recovering from cancer treatment

The Venezuelan government has said President Hugo Chavez can begin his new six-year term in office on Thursday, even if he is too ill to attend a swearing-in ceremony.

Vice-President Nicolas Maduro said the Supreme Court could swear in Mr Chavez at a later date.

He dismissed opposition calls for new elections should Mr Chavez not attend.