Chavez admits having cancer surgery in Cuba

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez admitted that he had a cancerous tumor removed from his abdomen, in his first speech since flying to Cuba for treatment. Chavez's announcement was broadcast Thursday on Venezuelan television after being recorded in Cuba, where he underwent the surgery and has been recovering. The 56-year old President said he had undergone an initial surgery June 10 for a pelvic abscess, news that had been released previously, but he also said a second surgery was required to remove the malignant growth. The date for Chavez''s return to Venezuela, however, remained unknown. He is expected to be back in Venezuela on Tuesday, when it celebrates 200 years of independence, according to the BBC. Chavez is the 56th and current President of Venezuela, having held that position since 1999. Following his own political ideology of Bolivarianism and "Socialism for the 21st Century". He has focused on implementing socialist reforms in the country as a part of a social project known as the Bolivarian Revolution, which has seen the implementation of a new constitution, participatory democracy and the nationalisation of several key industries.