Venezuela's Chavez calls off TV show for Brazil game

CARACAS, Venezuela, June 17 (Reuters) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who spends hours talking every Sunday on his ''Hello President'' television program, will keep quiet this weekend -- at least in part for Brazil's World Cup game.

The soccer squad for Venezuela, a major baseball nation, failed to make it to the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite some strong games in the qualifying South American group rounds.

Chavez, a huge baseball fan, talks for up to six hours on his Sunday television show, holding court on topics from Venezuelan history and his socialist revolution for the poor to his days as a young soldier and the threat of U.S.

imperialism.

''Tomorrow is Father's Day and also Brazil are playing. For these reasons the president, as director of the program, has decided not to broadcast 'Hello President,''' Information Minister Willian Lara told reporters today.

''We are going to celebrate Father's Day with our children and of course enjoy the Brazil match,'' he said.

Brazil, the defending World Cup champion, plays Australia tmorrow.

REUTERS PDS RAI0131