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Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will be returning to Cuba to begin radiation treatment for cancer on Sunday, but said he was in good shape and would be back home in a few days.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) HUGO CHAVEZ, VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT, SAYING:
"Tonight, I leave for Havana. I've decided - upon the recommendation of my medical team and also the government's political team - to begin, we're going to begin, radiation therapy treatment to complement the surgery that I had."
He said the therapy will take place over four to five weeks.
Chavez made a triumphant return to Caracas from Havana a week ago after a third operation in less than a year to remove a malignant tumour from his pelvis.
Little is known about how serious his cancer is. His latest departure could worry supporters, and it may fan rumors of a brewing power struggle between his top aides.
Though he insists otherwise, the cancer treatment is expected to leave him weaker during his campaign to win a new term in the October presidential election.
Michaela Cabrera, Reuters.
