Chavez in Cuba for more chemo

Posted August 07, 2011 22:19:02

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez was in Cuba on Sunday for a second round of chemotherapy treatment following the removal of a cancerous tumour in June.

 

The 57-year-old, who has lost his hair due to the treatment, has 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.

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

He said no malignant cells had been found in his body.

"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 Mr Chavez's cancer or provided any other details.

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

The Venezuelan leader underwent an operation in Cuba in June for a cancerous tumour in his pelvic area.

Source : AFP