World

Hugo Chavez Goes Back to Cuba to Start Chemotherapy

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has returned to Cuba to begin chemotherapy nearly a month after surgery to remove a tumor, and he is expressing optimism the treatment will help him survive his cancer.

Chavez said he would start the treatment in Havana on Sunday in an attempt to ensure cancer cells do not reappear following last month’s operation.

“We‘re going to give it everything we’ve got,” Chavez said in a televised speech shortly before he left Caracas on Saturday. He said there is always a risk cancer cells might show up again, “and therefore there’s a need to attack hard through chemotherapy.”

Chavez was accompanied by one of his daughters, Rosa, who held his hand as they boarded the presidential jet.

“It’s not time to die. It’s time to live,” Chavez said. “I’m saying goodbye for some days, but in a deeper sense I’m not saying goodbye. … I’ll be attentive every day, every hour, every minute to internal events and I’ll be in permanent contact.”

The 56-year-old leftist leader made contingencies for his absence by delegating some of his duties to Vice President Elias Jaua and Planning and Finance Minister Jorge Giordani.

Chavez, who has held dominant power during more than 12 years in office, has refused opposition demands that he temporarily cede all his powers to Jaua while undergoing chemotherapy, but he said at a televised Cabinet meeting that he would hand off some administrative responsibilities. Chavez said his decision to entrust some of duties to aides was a result of “deep reflection” while coping with his illness.

Hugo Chavez Goes Back to Cuba to Start Chemotherapy

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez waves as his daughter Rosa Virginia stands next to him before his departure to Cuba. Chavez left home Saturday, July 16, 2011 for Cuba to begin chemotherapy, vowing to win his fight against cancer and calling for his political allies to stay united in his absence. Earlier in the day, Chavez announced he was delegating some of his duties to his vice president and finance minister as he prepared to fly to Cuba. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos

He said the vice president would oversee budget transfers to government ministries, presidential commissions, any approved expropriations of businesses and other budget-related responsibilities. Giordani is to deal with matters including budget shortfalls and certain tax exemptions.

Chavez denied he was in any way ceding his functions as president.

He said that if his physical capacities were diminished in the future, “I would be the first in doing what the constitution says” in delegating his position to the vice president.

In a speech to party leaders and aides Saturday afternoon, he called for them to defeat any internal divisions, describing such conflicts as “cancerous tumors within the political body.”

“Unity, unity, unity,” Chavez said.

He repeated that message later as he addressed troops and supporters on the steps of the presidential palace. He announced new appointments for five generals, including the chief of his presidential guard, saying the moves were to “continue strengthening the unity of the Armed Force.”

“Military unity, civilian unity. … National unity. That’s one of the greatest ways you can help me now,” Chavez said. “I will return, and I‘ll return better than I’m going away.”

Chavez spent much of June in Cuba undergoing surgeries to remove an abscess and the tumor. He made a surprise return from Cuba to Venezuela on July 4 and during nearly two weeks at home rallied supporters, addressed troops and generally sought to reassure Venezuelans that he is in control in spite of his illness.

Chavez said his June 20 surgery in Cuba removed a cancerous tumor the size of a baseball. He hasn’t said what type of cancer he was diagnosed with nor specified where exactly it was located, saying only that it was in his pelvic region.

Chavez acknowledged on Wednesday for the first time that he expected to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

The National Assembly had to vote on Saturday to approve Chavez’s trip to Cuba, and the issue raised a passionate debate in which opposition lawmakers said they supported the president’s right to receive treatment but disputed his plan to remain in charge while in Havana.

Opposition politicians said they believed Chavez’s request constituted a “temporary absence” and that the president owed the country a more detailed explanation of how serious his illness is.

“Let him go to Cuba,” opposition lawmaker Alfonso Marquina said during the debate. “But we also demand compliance with the constitution … so that he doesn’t continue governing from Havana.”

Under Venezuela’s constitution, the vice president may take the president’s place during temporary absences of up to 90 days, which the National Assembly may extend for 90 days more, for a total of about six months.

Pro-Chavez lawmaker Cilia Flores said the National Assembly was simply granting Chavez permission to be away for more than five days and that he would remain in charge.

As the session was under way, Chavez appeared on television and interjected himself into the debate. He appeared on a split screen with the lawmakers’ listening, dismissing his opponents’ arguments as “bordering on ridiculousness.”

Chavez has said he is confident he will rebound but has also acknowledged a long road to recovery remains.

The president is up for re-election in late 2012, and he told members of his party on Saturday: “We have to obtain a great victory.”

Comments (91)

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  • TelepromoterNChief
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:52am

    I‘m sure Hugo’s approval ratings have been spiking thanks to his treatment.

    The people of Venezuela are making preparations to celebrate an aspect of his legacy.

    Report Post »  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:52am

    I try never to wish harm on anyone but I do hope this keeps him sidelined long enough for the people of Venezuela to replace his regime w/ a more open, representative democracy & free market economy.

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
    • Hobbs57
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:03am

      The only reason he is going to Cuba is because e knows he can’t come to the US. Trust me, people like him fear death in ways deeper than most. HE is surely kicking himself in the arse now because of his words towards America.

      Report Post » Hobbs57  
    • TelepromoterNChief
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 10:57am

      Sucks to be him.

      I’m sure we have some great medical care pre-Obamacare that could help Hugo.

      Sadly, he brought it upon himself time and time again.

      Sean Penn can send Hugo some flowers and an autographed pic of himself while Obama sends a care package of a couple pain pills, favorite movies on the wrong format and a bigger signed picture of himself.

      Dan Glover can clean Hugo’s bedpan.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:02am

      Ron WA — I do not wish the death of almost anyone, exept for those who harm children (not much mercy from me there at times), yet the fact is while he is “Not going to die…” in statement; he may be understanding that his date with the Grim Reaper is already established, as for all of us when we are born into the world.

      May he come to understand and accept the truth of God and Jesus before the end, and turn around from the evil he has done and imposed on his people.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • silentwatcher
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 12:41pm

      Need any help with the funeral??

      Report Post »  
    • FormerLib
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 1:24pm

      For a second there, I thought it was Casey Anthony’s lawyer.

      Report Post »  
    • Cold War Vet
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 2:52pm

      @ TELEPROMOTERNCHIEF

      I was going to make a comment on Hugo Chavez, but after reading yours, I figured; Why bother? Your post is good enough for both of us! Well said!

      Report Post » Cold War Vet  
    • oldanbo
      Posted on July 18, 2011 at 2:43am

      well said and i Likel I like more pwer hungry down and many caliphates to gol

      Report Post »  
  • mikee1
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:40am

    Keep him in the Cuban medical system. That means he will be dead SOON. GREAT. ANOTHER COMMUNIST IN HELL.

    Report Post » mikee1  
    • hauschild
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:49am

      Yeah, these two dumb asses make a helluva pair; Castro and Chavez.

      You look around this world and at who‘s in charge and you’re left dumbfounded at how so many men with really so little sense are ruining countries – ours included.

      Report Post »  
  • ares338
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:36am

    Smile….no comment!

    Report Post » ares338  
  • BehindBlueEyes
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:04am

    Bye bye Hugo. We are all hoping you return to Venezuela in a body bag.

    Report Post » BehindBlueEyes  
  • windycitywoman
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 9:01am

    Hello Blaze friends! I have started a prayer group for Glenn and his endeavors on educating our youth and his mission in Israel. This group also posts news articles and videos on topics Glenn has covered on his show. Many others and I are members of GBTV and will be discussing his show daily and posting what he shares on the Internet. This is a great way to stay in the loop if you do not have GBTV!. If you are a “like minded” Christian, Conservative Glenn Beck fan please join us! Find me on Facebook under Sharon Grek Papucci and send me a friend request!

    Report Post » windycitywoman  
  • hempstead1944
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:51am

    A fitting reward for a despot…….

    Report Post »  
  • ED4237
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:47am

    If his government is so good at providing healthcare for his people in Venezula why is he leaving to go to Cuba for treatment? Is the heathlcare system broken in his country since his take over?This is the time for real change for the better in Venezula while he gone good time to make sure he stays gone and doesn’t want to come back.

    Report Post »  
  • jefferson1743
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:46am

    I am from Cuban decent, If Chaves dies before Castro I’m going to be pissed!!!!!!

    Report Post » jefferson1743  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:52am

      @JEFFERSON 1743~~~ Am praying they go out together!

      We had wonderful Cuban friends years ago, straight from the island, who had escaped castro. What stories of horror they could tell. Amazing courage those people (who escaped) had. GOD BLESS you!!!

      Report Post »  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:44am

    If you were to die today, would you go to Heaven?

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • kickagrandma
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:56am

      @POVERTY ~~~ YES, I would by the grace of GOD. As much as I hate to say it, so would castro and chavez if they truly had a change of heart even at this late date. But, boy, I hope they don’t. I really do not want to spend eternity with them or with several others I could mention. You can readily see GOD has work to do on this child of HIS….

      Report Post »  
  • 9thCommandment
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:39am

    This is why Hugo supports Obamacare, no competiton for him to seek healthcare while his people die in pain under his banned **** plan. I am sure Academy Award actor Sean Penn is praying for his hero right now while wearing a MILK mustache.

    Report Post »  
  • liberalsarealiens
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:37am

    Bah Bye! Don’t let the door hit you in the …..

    Report Post » liberalsarealiens  
  • LadyIzShy
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:31am

    Cuba? LOL good luck with that HUgo. I pray Gods will be done with this matter. THAT is a hard prayer becaue I believe Hugo is an awful human but he still has a chance at redemption. Now lets see if BHO sends for him to come to the USA for treatment

    Report Post » LadyIzShy  
    • butler180
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:42am

      I thought that Venezuela was a utopia. Great health care system in place. Just ask Sean Penn and company.
      ?? can the average Venezuelan get health care in Cuba or are they stuck with the State Health Care at home?

      Report Post » butler180  
    • HillBillySam1
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:42am

      Michael Moore swears by the Cuban Healthcare Industry…..I can’t think of a better place for Huggable Hugo to recieve his treatments…….except maybe Somalia……however, with all of those wonderful Socialist reforms that Happy Hugo has instituted in his own country of Venezuela, you would think that his own hospitals would be able to treat his illness……go figure……

      Report Post »  
  • TelepromoterNChief
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:30am

    Serious questions need to be asked of Hugo before he dies:

    1) What kind of jumpsuit would he liked to be buried in?
    2) Does he want his remains to be placed in a dumpster in Cuba, Venzuala or in the ocean next to Osama?
    3) How long would he like his people to celebrate. . err. . mourn his death?
    4) What does he want done with his expansive jumpsuit collection?
    5) Where is YOUR god now Hugo?

    Report Post »  
  • bringiton
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:28am

    See ya. Wouldn’t wanna be ya. Punk!

    Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:24am

    Hugo take a dirt nap your mind has been dead for years your body should do the same.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • TelepromoterNChief
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:23am

    Does anyone know if Hugo has signed up for Make a Wish Foundation?

    I bet he wants to tour a jump suit factory before he DIES.

    Report Post »  
  • thegodfather
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:23am

    The good news is, they’ll pick the crazed dictator up at the airport, in one of those vintage 1957 Chevy’s, that has been converted into ambulance.

    Totally bitchin ride

    Report Post » thegodfather  
  • TelepromoterNChief
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:20am

    I hear what you are saying Hugo, but the rest of the world thinks it IS your time to go.

    You will not be missed other than your pals Michael Moore, Sean Penn, Barak Obama and of course, our more beloved “AmeriKan” ever. . .. Jane Fonda.

    Report Post »  
  • RepubliCorp
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:17am

    Not such a big shot anymore…….

    Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • TelepromoterNChief
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:32am

      Not in the least.

      It would be best he knows while he is suffering to know he will not be missed.

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:17am

    Interesting that he has chosen cuba and not his own country that he has practically destroyed. That speaks volumes about the medical care there, or does he know the doctors he has put out of business would not rush in to save his pitiful life? Be good for the impostor in chief in our own country to consider that for himself. One day, he, too, will need a physician (well, he needs one or several now, obviously). How could he trust them to care for him after all he has done to ruin their lives and destroy their profession. Interesting conundrum, is it not?

    Report Post »  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:43am

      They would give him the best care possible. Doctors took an oath to save lives and unlike our Imposter-in-Chief they take their oath seriously…..Just sayin’

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
  • Dustyluv
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:13am

    Praying for an overdose….

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on July 17, 2011 at 11:04am

      He will have his date with the Almighty soon enough; then what excuses will he have unless he does somehow change his ways and accept truly God and Jesus — who knows maybe he will?

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • jmf_stl
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:11am

    Lets hope he glows in the dark after treatments.

    Report Post »  
  • American Pride
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:08am

    Buh-bye Hugo!

    Report Post » American Pride  
  • randy
    Posted on July 17, 2011 at 8:06am

    I bet Obama is dying to figure out way to bring this SOB to the states to treat him. Keep an eye on Obama, bet he’ll figure out a way to send doctors and equipment to cuba to take care of his buddy

    Report Post » randy  
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