Venezuela’s Chavez Says He Feels Reborn

Posted July 28th, 2011 at 11:45 am (UTC-5)
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Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is celebrating his 57th birthday, comparing himself to a phoenix risen from the ashes.

The Venezuelan leader told state TV by phone Thursday he felt reborn even though he soon faces a second round of chemotherapy in his battle with cancer. He said he will still host a summit of Latin American and Caribbean presidents in December, as originally planned.

Mr. Chavez also invited Venezuelans to celebrate his 67th birthday with him in 10 years.

This is the second day in a row that the Venezuelan president spoke on TV.

On Wednesday, he said he will win the country's presidential elections next year.

Mr. Chavez also beat his chest and stomach to demonstrate his health during the televised interviews. However, he said his second round of chemotherapy will likely leave him bald.

The Venezuelan president returned home on Saturday after a week of chemotherapy in Cuba, where he was operated on last month to remove a malignant tumor. The president has not said what kind of cancer was being treated.