Chavez Heads for Cuba Check-Up

HAVANA TIMES, Oct. 15 — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez heads for Cuba in the coming hours for a check-up to evaluate the effectiveness of his four sessions of chemotherapy, applied since his June operation to remove a cancerous tumor in his “pelvic area”.

Chavez told the population that he expects a clean slate from his Cuban doctors.

“I’m packing my bags. In the coming hours, as I had previously announced, I will leave for Cuba, with God as my guide and medical science,” assured Chavez by telephone to a local TV station.

“Four months ago I was in a critical situation, but here I am now, in good shape,” said Chavez.

Chavez has repeatedly said his recovery from cancer will not affect his campaign for reelection in the voting scheduled for October 7, 2012.

“I’m preparing to begin the battle soon, but before I must complete the plan calling for rigorous tests and when I return I will inform the people,” said Chavez, reported cubadebate.cu.

Venezuela is Cuba’s closest political ally and leading trade partner.