Venezuelan opposition calls for supreme court to rule on Hugo Chavez crisis But the wording of the constitution, which was written in 1999 during Mr Chavez's first term in office, has left its meaning open to debate. The Supreme Court is reported to be preparing its arguments to determine the course of action when the January 10 deadline passes. Meanwhile, the United States wished Mr Chavez a speedy recovery. "Obviously we are, as we would be for anybody suffering what he is suffering, concerned for his health, and wishing a speedy recovery," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said, renewing calls for all Venezuelans to resolve the country's political crisis in a free and fair way. Leaders of the Roman Catholic Church have waded into the argument, criticising the government for failing to provide more details about the president's condition and warning that the country's stability is at risk.