Venezuela's Chavez to Seek Another Term

CARACAS, Venezuela, June 10 (UPI) — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez declared himself in sound health Saturday and is to register his candidacy for re-election Monday.

El Nacional and El Regional del Zulia reported the leftist leader told reporters he was feeling fit after his latest treatment for cancer in Cuba. Chavez made the comments after discussing energy and other matters with a Russian delegation led by acting Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov.

Chavez said that while the radiation therapy he underwent was “hard,” he has been cleared by doctors, El Nacional said.

“Everything went quite well. I feel great,” he said.

Chavez, 57, has been president since February 1999. He will seek another six-year term in the country’s Oct. 7 election.

Merco Press reported Chavez’s campaign chief said earlier the president will personally register his candidacy Monday and will have plenty of energy to take part in campaign rallies.

“How many kilometers is Chavez going to walk? Maybe he’ll jump from a parachute!” his campaign manager, Jorge Rodriguez said in Caracas.

“A sea of people will join our candidate, the candidate of the fatherland.”

Chavez will be tested in the election by opposition candidate, Henrique Capriles, a 39-year-old state governor.

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