Venezuelan lawmakers OK Chavez’s plan to return to Cuba for chemotherapy.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan lawmakers approved a request by President Hugo Chavez to travel to Cuba on Saturday to undergo chemotherapy.

National Assembly President Fernando Soto Rojas announced the unanimous vote after a passionate debate, in which opposition politicians said they supported the president’s right to receive treatment but disputed his plan to remain in charge while inHavana.

Opposition lawmakers also demanded more information about his illness.

Chavez said after the vote that he would leave within hours for Havana and that he expects to be back soon. He did not say how long he would be away.

Chavez said opposition lawmakers were wrong to call for him to delegate duties to his vice president while away.

“It’s to leave the country while maintaining my position as president,” Chavez said in televised remarks from the presidential palace after the legislative session.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelan lawmakers have approved a request by President Hugo Chavez to travel to Cuba to undergo chemotherapy.

National Assembly president Fernando Soto Rojas announced the unanimous vote after a passionate debate. Opposition politicians said they supported the president’s right to receive treatment but disputed his plan to remain in charge while in Havana.

They also demanded more information about his illness.

Related posts:

1. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said that he expects chemo or radiation
2. Venezuelan Supreme Court OKs Case Against Chavez Foe
3. Brazil president offers cancer treatment to Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez
4. Mississippi lawmakers still at odds over budget
5. United States pushes for Yemen solution as Saleh vows return

Tags: Chavez, chemotherapy, Cuba, Lawmakers, World

Category: World