Crowds welcome Chavez back ahead of Venezuelan independence day

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez addressed thousands of supporters on Monday following his return from Cuba where he underwent an operation for cancer. Venezuelans celebrate indepenedence from Spanish rule Tuesday.

Reuters.

An emotional crowd turned out to the presidential palace in Caracas, singing their national anthem throughout, expressing joy and relief that the president was back home.

Chavez, 56, addressed the large crowd waving the Venezuelan flag saying, “Long live Venezuela! Long live the Venezuelan people! Long live life! And of Latin America! Long live Fidel [Castro]! Long live Cuba! Long live life! And long live Chavez!”

The President had been in Cuba since 8 July where he underwent emergency surgery for the removal of a cancerous growth, although his government at first tried to play down the seriousness of his illness.

Acknowledging that he would not be able to take part fully in the national independence celebrations on 5 July, he asked his supporters for their patience and strength.

Chavez has been elected three times since 1999 and survived an aborted coup by the military in 2002. He has already announced his intention to run for another term in 2012.