Hugo Chavez: Cancer Is Back

Hugo Chavez's long battle with cancer has resumed, and the Venezuelan president will again seek treatment in Cuba, reports CNN. Speaking in a televised address to his nation last night, Chavez said "It's absolutely necessary, absolutely vital that I undergo a new operation." But in acknowledging the "risk" inherent in the new surgery, Chavez took the unprecedented step of tapping a successor: "If something were to happen that would incapacitate me, (vice president) Nicolas Maduro should not only finish my term as the constitution requires ... You should also elect Nicolas Maduro to be president." Chavez repeatedly kissed a crucifix during the televised address, and CNN notes that at one point he broke into song. (More Hugo Chavez stories.)