NEW : Political tensions in Venezuela spill over into a regional conflict . The armed forces will defend the Supreme Court 's decision on the matter . The court says Chavez is president and can be sworn in at a later date . The army has ` ` unconditional loyalty '' to Chávez , the defense minister says .
NEW : Political tensions in Venezuela spill over into a regional meeting . The armed forces will defend the Supreme Court 's decision on the presidency . The court said Chavez remains president and can be sworn in at a later date . The army has `` unconditional loyalty '' to Chavez , the defense minister says .