The ousted Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has re-assumed office, two days after being forced out by a military coup. The populist leader formally re-assumed his presidential powers in a televised ceremony at his official residence in the capital, Caracas, today. Mr Chavez called for peace, calm and unity in the deeply divided country.
The surprise turnaround came after the interim leader appointed to replace Mr Chavez, Pedro Carmona, resigned after a single day in office, following massive street protests and the loss of military support. Venezuelan Vice President, Diosdado Cabello, who was a member of Chaez’s administration, was then sworn in as an interim president, but on the proviso that he would only act as president until the ousted Chavez returned.
Mr Chavez's administration fell on Friday after three days of demonstrations and a general strike called by the business community.
