Chavez names successor in case of demise to cancer

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has named Vice President Nicolas Maduro to succeed him if he is unable to remain in office, as he heads to Cuba once again for cancer treatment.

In a national television and radio address, Chavez, 58, said he requires more surgery after malignant cells were detected during health examinations held over the past month in Cuba.

Under Venezuelan law, if the president is too ill to carry out his duties, the vice president would assume office until the beginning of the new presidential term on January 10.

The law also states that if the president is unable to attend the inauguration scheduled on that date, the President of the National Assembly would assume power while elections are arranged within 30 days.