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Venezuela: Chavez in Good Condition After Surgery in Cuba


In this photo released by Cuba's state-run Granma newspaper, Cuba's President Raul Castro, left, welcomes Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez upon his arrival to Havana, Cuba, Friday Feb. 24, 2012. Chavez arrived in Cuba for urgent surgery to remove a tumor
In this photo released by Cuba's state-run Granma newspaper, Cuba's President Raul Castro, left, welcomes Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez upon his arrival to Havana, Cuba, Friday Feb. 24, 2012. Chavez arrived in Cuba for urgent surgery to remove a tumor

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is reported to be in good condition following surgery to remove a tumor.

Vice President Elias Jaua made the announcement Tuesday to Venezuelan lawmakers, who responded with applause and chants in support of the 57-year-old president.

Jaua told the National Assembly that doctors removed a pelvic lesion and the surrounding tissue from President Chavez.

He traveled to Cuba last week to undergo surgery for what he said was likely a cancerous tumor. Last year, the president had surgery and chemotherapy in Cuba to remove a cancerous growth from his pelvic region.

The vice president says Mr. Chavez is staying in close contact with government officials. The president has not delegated authority during his absence.

Cuba and Venezuela are staunch allies, and President Chavez enjoys a warm relationship with the former and current Cuban leaders, Fidel Castro and his brother Raul.

President Chavez has ruled Venezuela for 13 years and is hoping to be re-elected for another six-year term in October. His opponent will be 39-year-old Henrique Capriles, the winner of the opposition primary earlier this month.

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