Venezuela’s Chavez makes surprise return from CubaFebruary 18, 2013 - 14:05 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made a surprise return from Cuba on Monday, Feb 18, more than two months after cancer surgery that threatens to end his 14-year rule of the South American OPEC member, he and ministers said, according to Reuters. The 58-year-old socialist leader underwent a six-hour operation in Cuba on Dec 11. He had not been seen or heard in public since then until photos were published of him on Friday. "We have arrived back in the Venezuelan fatherland. Thanks, my God! Thanks, my beloved people! Here we will continue the treatment," Chavez said via Twitter. Aides confirmed the news. There had been speculation Chavez was unwell enough to travel despite wanting to return to his homeland for continued treatment for the disease he was first diagnosed with in mid-2011. But Vice-President Nicolas Maduro said Chavez flew in at about 2.30 a.m. local time from Havana and was in a military hospital in Caracas. "I remain attached to Christ and trusting in my nurses and doctors. Onwards to victory forever! We will live and we will conquer!" Chavez also tweeted, adding his thanks to Cuban leaders Raul and Fidel Castro for his treatment there. Ministers were jubilant, one singing "He's back, he's back!" live on state TV. "We're so happy," Maduro said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |