Hugo said he was free of cancer cells, and that the illness would not mar his 2012 campaign.
The Venezuelan newspaper “Correo del Orinoco” published an interview with Chávez, in which the president reiterates his plan that has always been to stay 30 years in power, with a “golden decade” between 2020 and 2030.
Chávez said that despite his illness, he has not considered for a moment to quit the presidency of Venezuela.
“On a personal level, I can tell you if there were reasons, I would quit; specially if there were physical or mental reasons, I would be the first and responsibly quit” Chávez said.
“I have medical reasons, scientific reasons, human reasons, reasons of love and political reasons to keep myself at the front of the government and the candidacy with more force than before,” Chavez told the Correo del Orinoco newspaper.
Saturday, when Chávez made a surprise return to Venezuela he said doctors had not detected any cancer cells in his body, and that he would continue treatment, to prevent any relapse.
“I have to take care of this body to continue living and fighting […] The whiplash of illness has provoked in me more will to live, to fight and defeat” Chávez said.
Hugo also said that he will celebrate his 57th birthday next July 28 with the Venezuelan people “like never before” but said he wouldn’t give further details for “security reasons.”
