Chávez, in final stage of treatment, announces upcoming return to Venezuela

PRESIDENT Hugo Chávez of Venezuela announced this Monday that he is to return to his country in the next few days to "progressively join the frontline of battle," exactly five months ahead of the elections there.

In telephone contact from Cuba with the state Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Chávez stated that he feels very content at being in the final stages of his medical treatment and thus soon able to totally resume his presidential work.

He greeted the leadership of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) for its earlier statement in a press conference that he remains the movement’s candidate, in response to a wave of rumors affirming a change of aspirant for the elections.

Referring to the press conference, Chávez spoke about the destabilization plans exposed by the leadership, in particular those coming from Colombia. He said, "Well, you know that we won’t lose sight of all these destabilization plans that have always been up the sleeve of the national bourgeoisie (…) but before responding to aggressions, I would prefer to count on the word of President Santos (…) He has said that neither he nor his government will lend themselves to any plot against Venezuela."

The President added that one of the tasks of the Venezuelan people and government "is to neutralize all these plans on the part of a desperate bourgeoisie," and to continue working with a view to the presidential elections scheduled for October 7.

"We shall not forget that we are obliged to neutralize destabilization plots, not only in order to win on October 7, but for the sake of peace."

He called on his party to analyze the political scene for the next five months and continue strengthening the organization.

In relation to international issues, the Venezuela President reiterated his congratulations to President-elect François Hollande, to whom he conveyed his hopes that the financial crisis affecting all of Europe could be overcome.