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Venezuela

Latin America Reacts To Hugo Chávez Cancer Bombshell

The region reacts to news that the ever influential and controversial Venezuelan President has announced from Cuba that he is being treated for cancer.

Venezuela's Ultimas Noticias reports on the unfolding story of Hugo Chavez's health
Venezuela's Ultimas Noticias reports on the unfolding story of Hugo Chavez's health


EYE INSIDE
- LATIN AMERICA

Hugo Chávez's announcement late Thursday evening that he is being treated for cancer sent shock waves throughout Latin America, a region where the larger-than-life Venezuelan president has exerted an undeniable influence over the past decade.

The announcement broke the normally outspoken leader's uncharacteristic weeks-long silence. On June 10 Chávez underwent surgery in Havana, Cuba for a pelvic abscess. For more than two weeks afterwards he remained incommunicado, sparking rumors that his health problems were more serious than Venezuelan government officials were letting on.

Speaking from Cuba, Chávez confirmed those rumors in a recorded speech that was broadcast Thursday night a 9 p.m. Venezuelan time. The president admitted that during his pelvic surgery, doctors detected a cancerous tumor. They later performed a second operation to remove the growth, Chávez explained. He is continuing to receive cancer treatment as he recovers from both surgeries.

The news, not surprisingly, was splashed on front pages and websites from northern Mexico to southern Chile.

"Speaking slowly, his face pale and showing evidence of weight loss, Chávez read his 14-minute speech, broadcast on radio and television to inform Venezuelans about his medical situation," Argentina's La Nación reported.

"He said he was newly operated and that the tumor was completely removed," wrote the Chilean daily La Tercera. "He said he is now receiving complementary treatment for his ‘full recovery" but that he continues to run his country's government and is in contact with his team in Caracas."

Peru's La Republica published a detailed timeline of Chavez" medical woes, beginning May 9, when the Venezuelan president suspended a trip to Brazil, Ecuador and Cuba because of inflammation in his knee. On June 6, the newspaper noted, "Chávez arrives in Brazil for his first work meeting with President Dilma Rousseff walking with notable difficulty and with the help of a cane."

In Colombia, El Tiempo reported that Venezuelan government agencies have begun preparing for "what even now seems hard to imagine: a Venezuela without Hugo Chávez."

Venezuela's Últimas Noticias daily, meanwhile, quoted Armed Forces head Henry Rangel Silva as saying President Chávez "will return soon." The general also said the Armed Forces will do what it takes to protect the Constitution.

--Worldcrunch

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Society

Meet The "Patchers," Burkina Faso's Mobile Tailors Cutting Corners On-The-Go

Seven days a week, the "patchers" of Burkina Faso roam the streets of the country's capital, looking out for any clothes that might need mending.

Photo of one of Ouagadougou's "rafistoleurs" carrying his sewing machine on his shoulder

One of Ouagadougou's "rafistoleurs" with his sewing machine

Flora Toelo Karambiri

OUAGADOUGOU — They are easy to spot as they crisscross the capital of Burkina Faso. With sewing machines on their shoulders and scissors in hand, they travel around in search of their daily tasks. Many in urgent need make use of their services to adjust an outfit, mend holes, replace a zipper, sew on buttons or repair a tear.

These are the mobile tailors or rafistoleurs ("patchers") of this West African nation of 22 million. They save people time, trouble and often money, and are a common sight on the streets of Ouagadougou.

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