Chavez to return to Cuba for chemotherapy

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced Friday that he will return to Cuba to begin a new phase of cancer treatment that will include chemotherapy.

Chavez said he was seeking legislative approval to go back to Havana on Saturday "to begin what we've called the second phase."

He said he was sending a letter to the president of Venezuela's National Assembly, Fernando Soto Rojas, to request immediate "legislative authorization" for his trip as required by the constitution. It was not clear how long Chavez planned to remain in Cuba.

The 56-year-old's cancer diagnosis has thrown uncertainty into Venezuela's political landscape during the past two weeks. Chavez, who has held dominant power during more than 12 years in office, has said he's confident he will rebound but has also admitted a long road to recovery remains.

Chavez underwent surgery in Cuba on June 20 to remove a cancerous tumor from his pelvic region, AP reported.