New Photos of Ailing Chavez

Posted July 3rd, 2011 at 1:20 pm (UTC-5)
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A Cuban government website has posted photos of ailing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who is in Havana recovering from cancer surgery.

The four photos on the website cubadebate.cu show Mr. Chavez walking with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicholas Maduro and his daughters Rosa and Maria Gabriela.

The 56-year-old Chavez is walking unaided in the pictures but looks thinner and less robust than usual.

Mr. Chavez announced in a televised speech Thursday that he underwent surgery in Cuba to remove a tumor with “cancerous cells.” He did not indicate the type of cancer he had, and questions remain about how sick he is.

The president's supporters waved flags and chanted “Long live Chavez” in Venezuela's capital Sunday, during a march to mark the country's 200th anniversary of independence from Spain.

On Friday, Vice President Elias Jaua said Mr. Chavez will be out of the country while he recovers.

Some opposition leaders have suggested Jaua replace the president until he recovers, a proposal

Jaua has rejected.

The president is said to be signing orders and meeting with government ministers in Havana.

Mr. Chavez has ruled Venezuela since 1999.