Watch Video Confirmed: President Hugo Chavez admits Cancer Disease

Confirmed: President Hugo Chavez admits Cancer Disease in in public appearance

Confirmed: President Hugo Chavez admits Cancer Disease

Chavez Says He's Being Treated for Cancer After Cuba Surgery

Venezuela's Hugo Chavez said he is being treated for cancer in Cuba after doctors on the communist island detected a tumor during an emergency operation this month that had been shrouded in mystery.

Chavez, in a videotaped message read from Havana, said he was recovering favorably after doctors removed the tumor and all cancerous cells in a second, previously undisclosed operation since arriving to Cuba on June 8. The self-declared 21st century socialist revolutionary gave no date for his return and said his treatment "can't be rushed."

"I feel like I'm emerging from a dark abyss and beginning the climb back," said a thinner-looking Chavez, standing behind a podium flanked by a Venezuelan flag and portrait of his hero, 19th century South American revolutionary Simon Bolivar.

Chavez, 56, said he remains in charge of his nation's affairs from Cuba and is in constant contact with his cabinet.

Vice President Elias Jaua urged his compatriots to rally around the convalescing leader and march in the streets July 5 to celebrate Venezuela's 200th anniversary of independence from Spain. The 41-year-old sociologist and former student leader, who under Venezuela's constitution would succeed Chavez if the president were to die or resign, said the government would continue to function normally in the leader's absence.

Revolutionary Discipline

"There's no time for sadness," Jaua, surrounded by the rest of Chavez's cabinet, said in a live televised address from the presidential palace after Chavez's message. "Unity is what's needed now. We call on all the social movements and revolutionary forces to show the maximum discipline."


Scripted Address

He compared his illness to the most difficult moments of his life, like his jailing in 1992 after leading a failed coup attempt and his own brief removal from power in 2002. Reading from a speech -- a sight unfamiliar to Venezuelans accustomed to seeing their president set national policy during near-daily television appearances lasting sometimes six hours -- he said he neglected his health too long.

Ver Video Presidente de Venezuela Hugo Chávez confirma que fue operado de un Cáncer

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