Chavez Lands in Cuba for Procedure

HAVANA TIMES, Feb 25 — Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez arrived in Cuba on Friday night in preparation for a new surgery to remove a tumor – possibly cancerous – in the coming days.

Tests run in Havana last weekend showed a new lesion in the same area where Chavez had a larger tumor extracted last June.

Following that initial surgery he underwent four sessions of chemotherapy as a preventive measure.

Chavez was given a big send off from supporters in Caracas before leaving for Cuba and tried to put matters in order so that his government and reelection campaign would continue on course with his absence, which could prolong for well over a week.

The Venezuelan leader was met at the foot of his plane by Cuban President Raul Castro.