Chavez recovering from surgery

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has revealed he has had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour, in his first speech since flying to Cuba for treatment.



Speculation about his health had been rife since he left Venezuela three weeks ago for what officials said was an operation on a pelvic abscess.



Chavez said he was determined to overcome his health battle and was now on the road to full recovery.



His absence forced Venezuela to put off a regional meeting on Wednesday.