查韦斯将角逐明年的总统选举

The Venezuelan government says there is no doubt President Hugo Chavez will stand for re-election next year, despite the fact that he is undergoing further cancer treatment in Cuba.

委内瑞拉政府称，尽管乌戈·查韦斯总统目前正在古巴接受癌症治疗，但他参加明年的选举是毫无疑问的。

Hugo Chavez, right, was greeted by Cuban President Raul Castro on his return to Havana
Earlier President Chavez issued an upbeat（乐观的） message ahead of a second day of chemotherapy（化学疗法） treatment, saying he would win his battle for life.

Mr Chavez first had surgery in Cuba to remove a tumour¹ last month.

His ill health has caused political uncertainty² in Venezuela.

On Saturday, ahead of his second trip to Cuba, Mr Chavez delegated some of his powers to Vice-President Elias Jaua and Finance Minister Jorge Giordani.

But he resisted calls from opposition³ politicians to hand over all presidential powers during his absence.

Mr Chavez has not disclosed what type of cancer he has or how long he will remain in Cuba this time.

Upbeat message

He said doctors had found no more malignant⁴ cells（恶性肿瘤细胞） after surgery to remove a tumour, only saying he would be away for "a few days".

In an interview on state television on Monday, Mr Giordani gave reassurances⁵ about Mr Chavez's ability to remain in power.

"I think there is no doubt the president will be present at the 2012 elections and then for many years," he said.

Mr Chavez was met on arrival in Havana by Cuban President Raul Castro before undergoing a bout⁶（回合，较量） of chemotherapy on Sunday.

Mr Chavez later posted an upbeat message on Twitter about his health ahead of a second day of chemotherapy treatment.

"Good morning Happy World! Good morning beautiful Venezuela! From here, ready for another day of the battle for life. We will live and win! Love you," Mr Chavez Tweeted in Spanish.

There were also two photos of the Venezuelan leader wearing the football shirt of the national team, which defeated Chile 2-1 on Sunday to reach the semi-finals of the Copa America.

Mr Chavez watched the match on TV alongside Cuba's revolutionary former leader Fidel Castro, a mentor⁷ who himself recovered from serious intestinal⁸ surgery in 2006.

On Saturday, Venezuela's National Assembly had voted to allow Mr Chavez to return to Cuba to resume cancer treatment, including chemotherapy.

During a sometimes heated debate, opposition politicians had urged him to delegate the running of the country to his vice-president.

Mr Chavez dismissed the calls, saying he would "come back much better than I am right now".

But speaking during a televised cabinet meeting which followed, he announced he would - for the first time since he came to power 12 years ago - delegate some of his powers.

Vice-President Elias Jaua would oversee⁹ the expropriation（征用） of businesses and a number of budget-related duties while he was receiving treatment in Cuba, he announced.

He added that Finance Minister Jorge Giordani would also temporarily take on some additional duties.

The 56-year-old president said his decision had come as a result of "deep reflection" during his fight against cancer.

The BBC's Sarah Grainger in Caracas says some people will be surprised by the president opting¹⁰ to go back to Cuba instead of staying at home for treatment.

But the strong bond he has with Fidel Castro, who first noticed he was not looking well, and his ability to recover away from the public eye may make Cuba a more compelling（引人注目的，强制的） place for treatment, adds our correspondent.