Venezuela's Chavez heads to Cuba for chemotherapy
CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Friday he would return to ally Cuba for chemotherapy, a sign that he is struggling to beat a cancer that has upended the politics of the oil-producing nation.
The announcement came less than two weeks after the 56-year-old socialist leader made a triumphant return home from the Communist-led island, where he had undergone cancer surgery amid opposition criticism that his absence would endanger the country's 29 million people.
Chavez has not revealed what type of cancer he has or its severity. He said he would leave on Saturday, but did not say how long he would be gone.
"I have faith in God, science and our Cuban and Venezuelan doctors, all the people who attend to me and finally myself and this will to live," said Chavez from the steps of the presidential palace.
Analysts have warned that Venezuela could be plunged into political chaos if his illness seriously debilitates Chavez or leaves him unable to campaign for the 2012 presidential elections. He has no evident successor and is closely involved in most major government decisions.
"We are going to continue the road to recovery. This second stage will start in the coming days with the application of chemotherapy, scientifically planned in detail," said Chavez, flanked by his daughters who appeared distressed. "I am sure the second stage will help me follow the road to recovery of health."
Another prolonged absence could lead to tensions among his allies, who have at times struggled with internecine disputes without his leadership.
In recent televised appearances Chavez seemed in many ways to be back to his old self, chatting with ministers in cabinet meetings and doing calisthenics at a military academy in Caracas. On Friday, he met for two hours with Peruvian President-elect Ollanta Humala.
But since his return, Chavez has considerably reduced the length of his usually marathon speeches. His face looks swollen and pale, and he appears to have some difficulty walking.
He originally underwent an operation in Cuba to remove a pelvic abscess, and later had a second operation once the cancer was discovered. Neither he nor government officials have said where the cancer is or how advanced it is.
His ability to govern will hinge on whether or not the cancer has "metastasized" or spread to other parts of his body. One medical source has told Reuters the cancer has spread and is in the most advanced stage.
(Additional reporting by Deisy Buitrago and Ana Isabel Martinez; Editing by Toni Reinhold)