Report: Hugo Chávez in Critical Condition In Cuban Hospital

June 26, 2011

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By Carrasquillo

Published June 25, 2011

Fox News Latino

Hugo Chávez extended stay in a Cuban hospital is because he is in critical

condition, according to a report in El Nuevo Herald.

The Venezuelan president, who was last seen in public June 9 and last heard from

on June 12, on a phone call with Venezuelan state television, was said to have

been treated for a pelvic abscess in Cuba.

During the call Chávez said that medical tests showed no sign of any " malignant "

illness.

But according to the report in El Nuevo Herald, Chávez finds himself in

" critical condition, not grave, but critical, in a complicated situation. "

The Miami newspaper cited U.S. intelligence officials who wished to remain

anonymous.

Chávez silence has led to chatter and speculation in Venezuela that the

socialist leader is actually suffering from prostate cancer. Intelligence

officials could not confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer but Chávez family did

go to Cuba in the last 72 hours, according to wire service EFE.

Chávez daughter Rosinés and his mother Marisabel Rodríguez " urgently " left the

country and headed to Cuba in a Venezuelan air force plane.

Cuba's state media website, Cubadebate, released photos on June 17 that showed

Chávez posing with Fidel and Castro in his hospital room. Chávez smiled for

the camera in a track suit, while a frail-looking Fidel clutched Chávez arm.

Before the report that Chávez was in critical condition, his brother sought to

reassure Venezuela that he was recovering well.

" In response to all the rumors, I can give faith that the president is

recovering in a satisfactory manner, " Adan Chávez, who is a state governor, told

state television Wednesday. " The president is a strong man. "

Adan Chávez added that " it's not clear " when his younger brother would return

home, but said the president is expected to leave Cuba within 10 to 12 days.

Possibly to stave off rumors of bad health, Chávez personal Twitter account went

active on Friday, for the first time in 20 days.

" I'm here with you during the hard battles every day! Until victory always! We

are winning! And we shall win! " he tweeted in Spanish.

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