CARACAS, Venezuela, July 4 (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Monday he was happy to be back home in Caracas after spending three weeks in Cuba where he had cancer surgery.
Chavez, 56, who returned to Venezuela overnight, told the state television station VTV he would rest during the day and then address the public from the balcony of the presidential palace in the evening, The Miami Herald reported.
Venezuela celebrates its bicentennial Tuesday, but Chavez indicated his itinerary would be limited while he convalesces.
"We are preparing a light rest now in the morning, because you understand that it's the beginning of my return; it's a strict medical checkup, medicine, rehabilitation. .... I look like a cadet," Chavez said. "I even am wearing the sports clothes from the military academy. Well, I'm very happy."
"I don't think I can accompany you tomorrow at the official events, but I'm here and will be with you from my command post -- from the heart of Caracas, the heart of Venezuela," he said. "The beginning of my return, until my full return."
Chavez' medical problem initially were described as a pelvic abscess but eventually it was revealed doctors had detected cancer and he had a second operation to remove a malignant tumor. It hasn't been revealed what type of cancer or stage he has but Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro has said the cancer has not spread, the Herald reported.
Chavez remained in control of the government while out of the country for treatment.
