CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez is recuperating well from his surgery in Cuba and is expected to return to Venezuela within 12 days, one of his brothers said Wednesday.
Adan Chavez told state television that “it’s not clear” exactly when his younger brother would return, but the leader expects to depart for Venezuela within 10 to 12 days.
“The president is recovering in a satisfactory manner,” he said. “The president is a strong man.”
Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba for a pelvic abscess June 10.
The condition is an accumulation of pus that can have various causes, including infection or surgical complications. Neither Chavez nor doctors treating him have disclosed what caused the abscess.
Venezuelan Vice-President Elias Jaua said Chavez is attending to his day-to-day government duties while recuperating.
“He’s signing documents for social security retirees and resources for the education ministry, reading reports,” Jaua told Union Radio. “The president is following all current events in the country.”
Chavez’s absence and his relative silence has concerned some of his supporters.
The loquacious leader has communicated by telephone with program hosts on state television several times since the surgery, but Venezuelans are accustomed to the president’s near daily speeches and television appearances that can last several hours.
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