Chavez in Cuba for more cancer therapy (AFP)

HAVANA (AFP) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was in Cuba Sunday for a second round of chemotherapy treatment following the removal of a cancerous tumor in June.

The 57-year-old Chavez, who has lost his hair due to the treatment, expressed confidence he will return to Venezuela in a few days "in better condition that I am now."

"We will come out of this stronger. I am sure of it. My perspective is lengthening, and it's not 2012, but 2031," he said before his departure from Caracas, referring to his plans to run for a third six-year term in presidential elections next year.

While the firebrand leftist was in Havana, Venezuelan media aired an interview with an introspective Chavez who recalled the moment when Cuban leader Fidel Castro first told him he had cancer.

"I went to the bathroom to look at my eyes, and I cried, I cried, I cried. I cried for my children," Chavez told private channel Televen before his departure.

But it was a "smiling and very talkative" Venezuelan leader who stepped off the plane in Havana late Saturday, according to an official statement released by Cuban state media.

The former paratrooper was wearing a simple dark military uniform and red beret when he and his daughter Maria Gabriela greeted Cuban President Raul Castro at the airport.

Chavez said last month he had "successfully" finished a first round of chemotherapy, and with no malignant cells found in his body he was "beginning a new life," although he was cautious about the future.

"There will be several rounds in order to win this battle and eliminate all risk of malignant cells," he said.

The Venezuelan government has not disclosed the extent of Chavez's cancer or provided any other details.

Cuba, the only one-party communist regime in the Americas, is Chavez's closest regional ally.

The Venezuelan leader underwent an operation in Cuba in June for a cancerous tumor in his pelvic area, and he has continued his presidential duties despite his illness, albeit with a restricted schedule.

He has cut back his marathon speeches during which he often drives home his self-styled 21st century socialism.

He has turned more introspective since going public with his cancer, and in his interview broadcast Sunday said the inefficiency that marred his government had led to "a set of political, economic and social blunders."

But "inventing a new model inevitably leads to mistakes," and boosting efficiency and reducing bureaucracy is a never-ending challenge, Chavez said.

The leader insisted however that putting Venezuela on the path to socialism was one of his greatest accomplishments, because "it would be a mistake to build a new Venezuela within the framework of capitalism."

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Chavez declares himself 'largely recovered' (AFP)

CARACAS (AFP) – Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday he has "largely recovered" from cancer but would still undergo as many as two more rounds of chemotherapy, and could soon lose his hair.

"I have decided to continue living," he told his cabinet in a session carried on radio and television.

"I am being reborn, beginning a new life to continue serving the fatherland of (Simon) Bolivar," said Chavez, whose surprise operation in Cuba to remove a cancerous tumor last month sent shockwaves through Venezuela.

The flamboyant leftist has provided no details about his cancer type, but has sought to quash speculation it could end his leadership after more than a decade in office.

On Tuesday, he said he planned to run for another six-year term as president next year despite his battle with cancer.

Chavez underwent an initial round of chemotherapy in Cuba last week, and said tests found no more cancer cells.

"I have largely recovered," he told his ministers.

"Fortunately, of all the scenarios, it has been the best of the bad -- the best scenario for recovery," he said.

On camera, Chavez pounded his chest and stomach to show his health, but in a telephone call to state television later appeared to be preparing Venezuelans for changes in his appearance as he undergoes tough chemotherapy.

"Surely in a few days you'll see Chavez bald," he said. "Remember Yul Brynner? I'll be Yul Chavez. In a little bit, the hair will begin to fall out."

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Chavez says he is free of cancer after treatment in Cuba (AFP)

CARACAS (AFP) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was back home Sunday after undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Cuba, declaring himself free of "malignant cells" and ready to resume his full work schedule.

"I returned in better condition than I was in when I left," Chavez declared as he stepped off the plane.

The 56-year-old leader underwent an operation in Cuba a month ago for a cancerous tumor in his pelvic area.

Once back in Venezuela, Chavez joined national celebrations of the birth of Simon Bolivar, a military and political leader in the country before his death in 1830.

"Today and forever Bolivar lives in us, our ideas, and our behavior every day," Chavez wrote on his Twitter account early in the day, saying Bolivar's legacy "must live on."

Bolivar is an inspiration for Chavez, who calls the Bolivarian revolution was the "second and definitive" independence for Venezuela.

The current Venezuelan president was coming home after spending time with another of his political heroes, Fidel Castro.

Castro visited Chavez during his treatment in Cuba and delivered the news that the cancer was not malignant, Chavez said at a rally.

"I underwent imaging studies... and in the afternoon, Fidel came to visit me and said three words: 'You have nothing,'" added Chavez.

The 56-year-old Chavez has often said he sees Castro as a father figure. Cuba and Venezuela have strengthened ties since Chavez came to power in 1999.

After being welcomed at the airport by members of his cabinet and top military officials late Saturday, Chavez expressed confidence for a quick recovery.

"I underwent examinations and I must tell you that doctors did not find any malignant cells in any part of my body," the president told local television.

He cautioned, however, that there was a risk of relapse and predicted new medical procedures he did not identify.

"We will conquer this disease with the help of God and medical science in order to continue paving the way for a new motherland," he promised.

The leftist president, known for his flamboyant political style, said Venezuela "cannot lose its way" or "become a colony" again but did not elaborate.

On Friday, Chavez said he had "successfully" finished a first round of chemotherapy and was preparing for the second round, but did not disclose his treatment schedule.

"There will be several rounds in order to win this battle and eliminate all risk of malignant cells." He also vowed "unsurpassable" courage in his battle against the cancer.

The Brazilian official news agency reported earlier this month that Chavez will undergo new cancer treatment in Brazil after his treatment in Cuba.

Chavez spoke with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff to work out details of the treatment that will take place at a Sao Paulo hospital, Agencia Brasil reported without disclosing its sources.

The Venezuelan president had asked the National Assembly for permission to travel to Cuba to continue treatment following the June 20 operation.

To lawmakers, he described the chemotherapy as the "second stage of this slow and complex process of recovery."

Though the National Assembly unanimously approved his travel request, needed for the president to leave the country for more than five days, opposition leaders insisted it was unconstitutional for Chavez to continue to exercise executive authority from Cuba.

Critics of the president have demanded more details about his cancer, as well as answers to why he cannot be treated in Venezuela, where authorities say they have created a quality health care system.

The Venezuelan government has not disclosed the extent of Chavez's cancer or provided any other details about the disease.

Cuba, the America's only one-party communist regime, is Chavez's closest regional ally.

Chavez, in power since 1999, is his party's candidate for the 2012 presidential election, seeking a third six-year term in office.

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Medvedev wishes Chavez well in cancer treatment (AFP)

CARACAS (AFP) – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Sunday called his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez to wish him well in his cancer treatment, and to announce his foreign minister's visit to Caracas in August, officials here said.

In the telephone conversation, Medvedev wished his leftist South American ally "good health and a speedy recovery."

Chavez assured him he was making a "swift recovery" due to a strict rehabilitation regime, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said in a statement.

Medvedev also used the call to announce his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's official two-day visit to Caracas starting August 22.

The two countries have enjoyed enjoyed warm relations in recent years, including burgeoning energy and defense weapons deals,such as the 2007 multi-billion-dollar weaponry deal that included Caracas' purchase of Sukhoi jets.

During nearly a three week long stay in Cuba last month, Chavez underwent surgery to have a cancerous tumor removed.

Chavez has not said exactly what type of cancer he has or if he is still undergoing chemotherapy sessions. Venezuelan officials have said only that it was in his pelvic area, leading some to suggest it could be colon cancer.

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Chavez in 'critical' condition: report (AFP)

MIAMI (AFP) – Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, who is in Cuba following emergency surgery, is in "critical" but stable condition, Miami's El Nuevo Herald reported Saturday, citing US intelligence sources.

Chavez's government has said he was operated on for a pelvic abscess June 10 and is recovering well; the president's brother has told Venezuelan state media that Chavez could return to Caracas in about two weeks.

But the Venezuelan government has not addressed details of Chavez's condition. And opposition lawmakers are up in arms in Caracas as many think it is unconstitutional for the president to be governing from abroad.

The Spanish-language El Nuevo Herald cited unnamed US intelligence sources as refusing to comment on rumors in Venezuela that Chavez could be receiving treatment for prostate cancer.

Yet one source was quoted as saying that Chavez "is in critical condition; not on the brink of death, but critical indeed, and complicated."

The same sources said Chavez's daughter, Rosines, and his mother, Marisabel Rodriguez, were recently whisked off to Cuba in an air force plane, the report said.

"They took Marisabel and her daughter out urgently," another source told the paper. "That was 72 hours ago."

After almost two weeks of uncharacteristic quiet, Chavez took to Twitter again on Friday, without addressing the controversy over his time spent abroad recovering from surgery in Cuba.

"Good morning to my (Twitter followers). It is my Army's Day, and the sun is shining brightly. I am sending a big hug to my troops and my beloved people," Chavez (@chavezcandanga) tweeted on the microblogging service.

The firebrand leftist leader was hospitalized June 10 in Havana, his top regional ally, for what officials said was an operation for a pelvic abscess, but turned into an uncharacteristically quiet and prolonged absence.

Officials in Caracas have insisted that Chavez, 56, is recovering well and continuing to give orders from Cuba, and keeping abreast of developments in Venezuela.

And relatively few words from someone known for his verbal omnipresence left some foes speculating he might have had plastic surgery or might want to drum up sympathy for his illness ahead of a 2012 election in which he will seek a third term.

Chavez arrived in Cuba on June 8 on the final leg of a trip authorized by the National Assembly that also included Brazil and Ecuador. He was rushed into emergency surgery after suffering sharp pain diagnosed as a pelvic abscess that required immediate surgery.

Opposition legislators, who control 40 percent of Venezuela's single-chamber legislature, argue that his prolonged absence means that Vice President Elias Jaua should replace him.

Chavez is Communist Cuba's main economic and political ally. His cut-rate oil keeps the cash-strapped and isolated Raul Castro regime afloat.

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Recovering in Cuba, Chavez back to tweeting (AFP)

CARACAS (AFP) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is recovering from surgery in Cuba, was back to communicating by Twitter on Friday, without addressing the controversy over his time spent abroad.

"Good morning to my (Twitter followers). It is my Army's Day, and the sun is shining brightly. I am sending a big hug to my troops and my beloved people," Chavez said in a tweet from Cuba, his top regional ally.

The firebrand leftist leader was hospitalized June 10 in Havana for what officials said was an operation for a pelvic abscess, but turned into an uncharacteristically quiet, prolonged absence.

Officials have insisted that Chavez, 56, is recovering well and continuing to give orders from Cuba, and keeping abreast of developments in Venezuela.

In the legislature, however, fierce debate is raging over whether Chavez has the right to rule from abroad, with the minority opposition demanding more transparency.

And relatively few words from someone known for his verbal omnipresence left some foes speculating he might have had plastic surgery or might want to drum up sympathy for his illness ahead of a 2012 election in which he will seek a third term.

Chavez "as officially reported, is recovering well," his brother Adan Chavez, governor of Barinas state, told state broadcaster VTV on Wednesday.

"We do not know exactly when he'll return. We must wait for a medical assessment, but in a few days, in 10 or 12 days, the president will be (back) over here," Adan Chavez said.

Usually given to verbose speeches across all media,the Venezuelan president has not been seen nor heard since the operation, remaining silent in contrast to the non-stop interviews, hours-long broadcast tirades, and posting flurries on the Twitter global microblogging service for which he is renowned.

The last time his voice had been heard publicly in Venezuela was June 12, when he made a brief phone call to local television and said he was on the mend.

"There should be no secrets on this issue (of presidential health). In authoritarian governments, they send photographs. In a democracy, there is information," said opposition lawmaker Americo de Grazia.

And some political rivals argue that it is unconstitutional for Chavez to govern from abroad; they have complained that he was absent for a prison uprising in which at least 29 people were killed two weeks ago, and as a power shortage grows worse.

Chavez issued four short messages early Friday, all salutes to his armed forces, including an excerpt from the national anthem. He did not refer to his medical situation, or the debate about his stay in Cuba.

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Chavez recovers after surgery in Cuba: officials (AFP)

CARACAS (AFP) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was recovering satisfactorily Sunday after undergoing surgery in Cuba and was expected to return home "in the coming days," officials from the presidential entourage said.

But Information Minister Andres Izarra, who made the announcement Saturday, did not specify how many days the president would remain at a Cuban hospital where surgeons removed an abscess in his pelvic area early Friday.

Izarra, who said he wanted to "reassure the Venezuelan people," noted that was Chavez was doing well and that the country's citizens would continue receiving updates about his health.

He did not offer specifics.

Chavez has been on an official visit to Cuba since Wednesday. He held talks with President Raul Castro as well as with his brother Fidel, the ailing leader of the Cuban revolution.

According to Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro, the abscess was discovered during a medical check-up performed on Chavez "by a trustworthy medical team."

The discovery prompted the president "to decide to immediately undergo a corrective surgical procedure," Maduro said.

The 56-year-old Venezuelan leader was accompanied at the hospital by his aides, doctors and some members of his family, the officials said.

A pelvic abscess is a pus-filled cavity normally caused by an infection. Treatment usually involves a surgical drainage and dead tissue removal, experts said.

Most patients are able to walk within 24 hours after pelvic abscess surgery, however, they often experience some discomfort for several days, the experts noted.

After concluding his talks with Cuban officials Venezuelan Energy and Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez said Chavez was feeling well after the surgery and able "to follow all the issues that the country has to confront" at this moment.

But Ramirez, who admitted he was able to see the president only on Friday, said surgery "always implies a period of rest," adding that Chavez was "in the process of recuperation."

The disclosure of Chavez's new health problem has generated diverse reactions in Venezuela, where people are accustomed to almost daily public appearances by the flamboyant president.

Supporters filled social information networks with messages wishing him a prompt recovery while opponents remained skeptical, describing the announcement as another political maneuver aimed at boosting Chavez's popularity ratings.

"The president should give the National Assembly a report about his health in order to avoid uncertainty," demanded opposition lawmaker Maria Corina Machado in her Twitter message.

Venezuelans noted that in his address to the people, read by Maduro on Friday, Chavez urged Venezuelans to "continue consolidating the Bolivian Revolution" during his recovery.

"I will gladly give up my life at the service of the suffering people," Maduro quoted him as saying.

Last month, Chavez was sidelined by a knee injury that forced him to stay away from public events for nearly a month.

The injury had also forced him the postpone visits to Ecuador, Brazil and Cuba.

Chavez was first elected on December 6, 1998, on a wave of discontent with the two traditional parties which had run the country for 40 years.

He says he began planning his revolution during two years he spent in prison for leading a failed military coup in 1992.

In recent years, Chavez has reduced military ties with the United States and increased arms purchases from alternative sources, such as Russia, Belarus and China.

Born to schoolteacher parents in the southwestern town of Sabaneta on July 28, 1954, Chavez studied at the Military Academy of Venezuela in Caracas. Twice divorced, he has four children.

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Chavez undergoes surgery in Cuba: foreign minister (AFP)

CARACAS (AFP) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba on Friday to treat an abscess in his pelvic area and is recovering, Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro said.

According to Maduro, the surgery was performed early Friday in Havana and had "satisfactory results for the health" of the Venezuelan leader, who had already "begun the recovery process."

Chavez has been on an official visit to Cuba since Wednesday.

Maduro said the abscess was discovered during a medical check-up performed on Chavez "by a trustworthy medical team."

The check-up "revealed the existence of an abscess in the pelvic area, which prompted President Hugo Chavez to decide to immediately undergo a corrective surgical procedure," the statement said.

Chavez also urged the Venezuelan people to "continue consolidating the Bolivarian Revolution" during his recuperation.

Last month, the 56-year-old Venezuelan leader was sidelined by a knee injury that forced him to stay away from public events for nearly a month.

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Shakira gives Venezuela's Chavez signed, red guitar (Reuters)

CARACAS (Reuters) – Colombian pop star Shakira has given Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez an autographed electric guitar that is painted red, the color of the leader's socialist political movement.

The Grammy award winner and songwriter sent him the instrument after visiting the South American country in March, Chavez said on Sunday and thanked her for the gift.

"I was practicing last night, looking for the plugs. It's electric, a very modern guitar and I'm not used to it," Chavez said during a phone call to a state TV station. "I was singing some songs, old ones, a Mexican one."

Known for his informal style, Chavez often belts out Latin American folk songs during political rallies and speeches.

"How am I going to practice 'Waka-Waka' with this swollen foot?" Chavez asked when an official suggested he sing Shakira's hit song for last year's World Cup. He ended the call singing a bolero, a slow Latin American song.

Chavez is currently recovering from a knee injury and canceled visits to several countries this week. He said the injury was improving.

(Reporting by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Eric Beech)

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Chavez thanks Shakira for red, autographed guitar (AP)

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is thanking Colombian singer Shakira for an autographed red guitar that he says the artist sent him as a gift.

Chavez says he stayed up late strumming on the electric guitar and singing songs.

He told Venezuelan state television on Sunday: "Thanks to Shakira for that."

Information Minister Andres Izarra posted a photo of the guitar on Twitter after it arrived on Saturday.

Chavez said the musician asked to see him when she performed in Caracas in March, but that her flight was late and they were unable to meet.

Chavez says he was surprised by the gift, and has been practicing on the instrument while recovering from a knee injury.

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