By The Associated Press

Published: Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 9:52 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

CARACAS — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was recovering after a successful cancer operation in Cuba, his vice president said on Tuesday.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro said the surgery was both “complex” and successful. Maduro made the announcement on Venezuelan television, flanked by other Chavez aides and military commanders.

It was the fourth cancer-related operation that Chavez has undergone since June 2011.

Three days before the surgery, Chavez had announced that he needed to have surgery again after tests showed “some malignant cells” had reappeared in the same area of his pelvic region where tumors had been removed.

During the surgery, close Chavez ally Tareck El Aissami had said on television: “Everything is going well.”

On the streets of Caracas, Venezuelans on both sides of the country's deep political divide voiced concerns about Chavez's condition and what might happen if he ultimately doesn't survive his illness.

“It's difficult to think about Venezuela without Chavez,” said Rafael Perdomo, a mechanic who has supported the president since 1998, when he first ran for the presidency. “I fear that we, the poor, could lose everything if Chavez dies.”

Chavez recently said for the first time that if his illness cuts short his presidency, Maduro should take his place and be elected president to continue on with his socialist movement. But Perdomo said he doesn't trust Maduro the way he trusts Chavez.

Other Venezuelans said while they're sorry about Chavez's health situation and wish him the best, it isn't a particular concern for them. Many were out buying Christmas gifts and shopping for food as they prepared for the holiday season.

“I'm sorry about what is happening to the president, but for many of us, life goes on,” said Maria Colmenares, a housewife and opposition supporter.

1. Iranian soldiers fighting for Syria, State contends
2. Egyptian troops mistakenly hit funeral
3. Suicide stuns visitors to Notre Dame Cathedral
4. Toronto mayor ducks questions about crack video
5. Key omissions on final Iranian candidate list put riot police on guard in Tehran
6. Obama vague on influence  in Syria
7. Danish teen finds rare Viking coins
8. Japanese mayor notes insensitivity of telling U.S. troops to visit his nation’s adult establishments
9. Pair joins hunger strike at Gitmo
10. More violence hits Iraq
11. In Syria, thousands disappear

There are currently no comments for this story.
Subscribe today! Click here for our subscription offers.