Chavez’s future uncertain

CARACAS, Venezuela – Hugo Chavez’s surprise return from Cuba after cancer treatment was a classic maneuver for a president who excels at showmanship. It’s also likely to give him a political boost as supporters rally around their ailing leader.

The 56-year-old president projected a strong, vibrant image as he stepped off a plane early Monday. Smiling, he hugged his vice president, broke into song and later raised a fist in triumph.

“It’s the beginning of my return!” he declared.

Hours later, he rallied thousands of supporters from a balcony of the presidential palace, telling them: “We will also win this battle for life.”

Despite the confident image, doubts about his future re-emerged as he suggested that he still isn’t ready for a full comeback.

He told state television by telephone that he doesn’t expect to attend celebrations today marking the 200th anniversary of Venezuela’s independence from Spain. Normally, Chavez would be front and center at the patriotic event, which includes a military parade.

Unanswered questions about Chavez’s health abound. He has said he underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, and his foreign minister said it was extracted from the same part of the “pelvic region” where Chavez had an abscess removed in Cuba on June 11. Chavez hasn’t said what type of cancer is involved nor whether he is receiving chemotherapy, radiation or another treatment.

Based on Chavez’s account, medical experts said it’s most likely he has colorectal cancer.

“Beloved Venezuelan people, I’m sure you understand perfectly the difficulties of this battle,” Chavez told the crowd at the palace. “No one should believe that my presence here … means that we’ve won the battle.”

“No, we’ve begun to climb the hill. We’ve begun to beat the illness that was incubated inside my body,” said Chavez, who appeared tired at times but spoke forcefully.

Chavez told the crowd he has been rising at 5 a.m., exercising and eating healthy foods. He also noted that his doctors have told him to limit the length of his public addresses to 30 minutes – perhaps one of the most difficult recommendations for the talkative leader to commit to.

“I shouldn’t be here for too long,” Chavez said. “I’m subject to strict medical and scientific controls. You all know the reasons.”

Yet, shortly after the speech, he reappeared on television greeting foreign dignitaries.

Leading opposition lawmaker Alfonso Marquina said Chavez’s return puts an end to the “irregular situation” of having a president governing from Cuba, but he said much has yet to be explained.

Chavez has been dominant in Venezuela during more than 12 years in office, and his absence created a void he wanted to fill.