President Hugo Chavez in good health; Venezuelans asked not to believe rumours

The Office of the President of Venezuela, through the local Venezuelan Embassy, has issued a press release asking the people of Venezuela not to pay attention to rumours about the health of President Hugo Chavez.{{more}}

The release, dated April 23, said Chavez is scheduled to return to Venezuela on April 26 and his last medical check-up was “absolutely positive”.

“This morning they took some blood from me, I came out well in everything, I am still recovering”, Chavez said, in an interview with the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) office on Monday.

The Head of State said the process which he is undergoing, is “not a little thing”.

“It is a hard treatment, which is not butter and I must put myself to the height with much will, strength and faith; and to follow rigorous treatment”, he said.

Chávez has been in Cuba, for over a week, for a phase of radiotherapy, as part of treatment for a recurrence of the cancer that was detected in 2011.

According to the release, Chavez is still performing his governmental duties “in the midst of the battle for his total recovery”.

“I am obligated to fulfil my work in the middle of this treatment”, he assured, while he indicated in a humorous way that some people pretend that “I should run 100 meters flat or play in a baseball game with “Kid” Rodriguez and Santana (…); but at this moment I have to take care of my rest, treatment, eating and schedules.”

With reference to the rumours that have circulated about his health, Chávez, although acknowledging that these sometimes do damage, said the Venezuelan people should “ignore messages that are product of the dirty and psychological war that desperate sectors in the country are spreading”.

He said that he communicated by telephone with his parents, who he has asked to keep calm, because he is fine, complying with his rest and rehabilitation processes.