DAILY NEWS: Hugo Chávez recovering well from operation, relatives say

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Venezuela's president had surgery on pelvic cyst in Cuba but opponents claim he actually may have cancer

President Hugo Chávez is recuperating well from surgery in Cuba and is expected to return to Venezuela within 12 days, one of his brothers said on Wednesday.

Adan Chávez told state television that it was not clear exactly when his younger brother would return, but the leader expects to depart for Venezuela within 10 to 12 days.

"The president is recovering in a satisfactory manner," he said. "The president is a strong man."

Chávez underwent surgery in Cuba for a pelvic abscess 10 June. The condition is an accumulation of pus that can have various causes, including infection or surgical complications.

Neither Chávez nor doctors treating him have disclosed what caused the abscess, and his prolonged absence has prompted speculation and criticism at home.

Opponents have suggested that the president's condition may be far more serious than acknowledged, and rumours have circulated that Chávez is suffering from cancer.

In his only public utterances – a phone call with a TV network two days after the surgery – Chávez actually fueled rather than dampened speculation by noting there were no "malignant" signs found.

Political foes say the lack of details reflects the nature of Chávez's government. "Under authoritarian governments, there are photos. In democracy, there is information," opposition legislator Americo de Grazia told parliament this week.

The Venezuelan vice-president, Elias Jaua, said Chávez is attending to his day-to-day government duties while recuperating.

"He's signing documents for social security retirees and resources for the education ministry, reading reports," Jaua told Union Radio. "The president is following all current events in the country."

Chávez's absence and his relative silence has concerned some of his supporters. The loquacious leader has communicated by telephone with programme hosts on state television several times since the surgery, but Venezuelans are accustomed to the president's near daily speeches and television appearances that can last several hours.

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

Sandra Laville 23 Jun, 2011

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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/23/hugo-chavez-recovering-well-relatives
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