Chavez Exits Cuba, Surprise Return Home

HAVANA TIMES, July 4 — Venezuelan President Chavez made a surprise and sudden exit from Cuba early Monday, returning to his country while in the grips of ongoing post cancer removal treatment.

As recently as Saturday, different officials from Chavez’ government and the opposition had noted that the charismatic leader could remain several months recovering in Cuba and still call the shots in Venezuela with his cabinet.

A video of Chavez bidding farewell to Cuba at the airport and arriving in Venezuela is available at the leading official website, cubadebate.cu.

Chavez has called a rally in front of the Miraflores Presidential Palace for 5:00 pm. on Monday.  The welcoming home is expected to be massive.

Chavez was operated on twice in Havana since June 10 to remove a cancerous tumor.  He explained his health situation in this report.