Caracas - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has cancelled an edition of his TV show, Alo Presidente.

The cancellation comes amid arguments with the Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa about a live televised debate.
 

Mr Chavez has broadcast some 18 hours of special editions of “Alo Presidente” since Thursday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the program.

But the latest edition has been withdrawn at late notice with no explanation from the government.

After around 18 hours on air over the past two days, the third installment of President Chavez's marathon program was suspended with no official reason given.

The decision to suspend Alo Presidente comes after a series of challenges and counter-challenges about holding a televised debate with the Peruvian writer and arch-critic of President Chavez, Mario Vargas Llosa.

Mr Vargas Llosa is currently in Venezuela to attend an opposition-led seminar about democracy and authoritarianism in Latin America.