Chavez in Cuba for cancer treatment

Cuba’s President Raul Castro has greeted Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez who has arrived there for chemotherapy, vowing to win his fight against cancer and calling for his political allies to stay united in his absence.

Before boarding the presidential plane at the international airport, Mr Chavez said: “It’s not time to die. It’s time to live.”

He stood by one of his daughters, Rosa, on a red carpet leading to the plane as a military band played the national anthem and soldiers stood at attention.

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“I’m saying goodbye for some days,” Mr Chavez said, “but in a deeper sense I’m not saying goodbye. I’m going to be in the same homeland, in the great homeland. And I’ll be attentive every day, every hour, every minute to internal events and I’ll be in permanent contact.”

He then climbed the stairs of the plane holding the hand of his daughter, who left with him. He has not said how long he expects to stay in Havana.

The 56-year-old leftist leader discussed his health and other issues during a televised speech at the presidential palace on Saturday, the day before he left.

“Tomorrow I begin chemotherapy treatment,” he said, “and we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”

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He said the treatment would ensure cancer cells have not reappeared since he underwent surgery last month to remove a tumour.

After thorough medical checks, “no malignant cell has been detected in any other part of my body”, Mr Chavez said to the applause of aides and allies. He added there is always a risk cancer cells might reappear, “and therefore there’s a need to attack hard through chemotherapy”.

Mr Chavez delegated some of his duties to Vice President Elias Jaua and Planning and Finance Minister Jorge Giordani.

Mr Chavez previously had refused opposition demands that he temporarily cede power to Mr Jaua while undergoing chemotherapy. But shortly after a legislative vote approving his trip, Mr Chavez said that he would hand off some responsibilities.

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