Venezuela’s Chavez names heir that been leader of socialism in South America for decades: Chavez passing would have wide ranging effect across the region

Chavez admits cancer relapse, designates heir

Leftist Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez admitted a relapse of his cancer late Saturday and designated vice president Nicolas Maduro as his heir apparent in case “something happened” to him. Speaking on national television, an emotional Chavez said a return of cancer cells was detected.