Venezuela opposition leader Capriles to stand in election

Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles has confirmed that he will stand in presidential elections on 14 April.

In a televised address, Mr Capriles accused the governing PSUV party of manipulating the recent death of Hugo Chavez.

Mr Chavez died on 5 March after a two-year battle against cancer.

Mr Capriles will stand against Acting President Nicolas Maduro, whom Mr Chavez named as his favoured successor.

The acting president went on state television minutes after the opposition leader's appearance, accusing him of being a "fascist".

Reports say the stage is now set for a bitter presidential campaign.

The opposition boycotted Mr Maduro's swearing-in on Friday, claiming that - under the constitution - the speaker of the National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, should be the one to take over as acting president.

BBC NEWS