President Chavez Returns to Venezuela after Treatment in Cuba

Mérida, July 4^th 2011 (Venezuelanalysis.com) – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez arrived in Venezuela this morning, after being operated on for a tumour while on a political visit to Cuba.

Speaking with public television station VTV via telephone, Chavez said he was “at home now, preparing for a light rest in the morning”, and that he was on a strict diet. He highlighted the “humanist” attention he received in Cuba.

His arrival early this morning was filmed by state media and news quickly spread through both formal and informal channels. He was received by a range of ministers and government officials, and the first thing he did when directly talking to press in the airport was sing.

He then told a story about some poetry he had been writing another time, 23 years ago, when he was landing at the airport, and concluded “this is the start of the return”. He was likely referring to his address to the nation from Cuba on Thursday, which he concluded with, “Until the return”.

On Twitter he also made the same reference, writing, “Here I am, at home and very happy! Good morning my beloved Venezuela, good morning beloved people, thank you my god, it’s the start of the return!”

The president’s arrival in Caracas ends speculation over when he would be back in Venezuela as well as opposition criticisms that it was unconstitutional that he govern outside of Venezuela. The Venezuelan constitution stipulates that the president can be temporarily absent for a total of 180 days.

Chavez is back in time for celebrations of 200 years of independence tomorrow and public media have announced that Chavez will address the people from the presidential building Miraflores tonight.