Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has admitted a relapse of his cancer and designated Vice President Nicolas Maduro as his heir apparent in case “something happened” to him. Speaking on national television late on Saturday, an emotional Chavez said a return of cancer cells was detected during his most recent visit to Cuba for medical examination, and he would return to the communist-ruled island as early as Sunday for another round of surgery. “During this thorough examination, they again detected some malignant cells in the same area as before,” Chavez said. He did not offer details, but his cancer was first detected in the pelvic area. Neither the Venezuelan leader, nor his Cuban doctors have ever disclosed what kind of cancer that was. Chavez admitted he was suffering “somewhat strong” pain and was taking tranquilizers as part of preparation for his upcoming surgery. He acknowledged that his Cuban medical team had conveyed to him a sense of urgency about the operation, which he said was now “absolutely necessary”. “The doctor recommended that I undergo surgery yesterday (Friday) at the latest, or this weekend,” he noted.
