© ReutersVenezuelan President Hugo Chavez addresses the nation during a televised speech on June 30, 2011 in this still image taken from TV. Chavez on Thursday said he had undergone a successful operation in Cuba to extract cancerous cells and was on the road to full recovery. Chavez said the medical process was "slow and careful" and he was on the road to "full recovery".
The announcement, which confirmed rumors swirling for nearly three weeks, convulsed the South American OPEC nation ahead of what was already looking like a tight race for a presidential election next year.
Speaking from Havana where he underwent surgery June 10, a pale and emotional Chavez gave no indication when he would return to Venezuela. Nor did he name a temporary substitute to lead the country of 29 million people.
"They confirmed the existence of a tumorous abscess, with the presence of cancerous cells, which needed another operation to extract the tumor completely," he said in his first address to the nation since his surgery.
Chavez, 56, said he was receiving "complementary treatments to combat different types of cells that were found" -- possibly implying chemotherapy.
"I deeply appreciate the demonstrations of solidarity by Venezuelans and other brotherly people," he added, standing at a lectern by a Venezuelan flag and a painting of his inspiration, South American independence hero Simon Bolivar.
Analysts say a prolonged absence could trigger infighting among his allies -- none of whom possess Chavez's charisma or national appeal -- and possibly prompt calls for an early election by opposition parties gearing up for a 2012 poll.
"It is impossible to deduce if he will or will not be in a physical state and the right mood to go into the 2012 campaign," said local analyst Luis-Vicente Leon said.
In contrast to his usual jocular and improvisational style, Chavez read a statement while frequently looking down at notes. He looked serious but not weak or debilitated.
He recognized, maybe for the first time since taking office, that his health had been compromised by his leadership style, based on intense micro-management, constant coffee-swilling and little sleep.
"Throughout my life I've been committing fundamental errors ... of not taking care of my health and being reluctant about medical treatment," he said.
Until Thursday, the official line had been that he was recovering well from an operation to remove a pelvic abscess and would return soon.
Ministers Pledge Unity
Inheriting former Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro's mantle as Washington's main irritant in Latin America, Chavez has become one of the world's most well known leaders during his 12 years in power.
Comparing his health problem to a previous dark moment -- a short-lived 2002 coup attempt -- Chavez promised he would be back in typically grandiose language.
"I want to talk to you about the rising sun, I think that we have emerged," he said.
There were fireworks in the poor west end of Caracas, a bastion of Chavez supporters, and people on the streets shouted "He's alive! He's alive!"
Others reacted with disbelief but vows of solidarity.
"My comandante doesn't have cancer. It can't be true. He is the best president we have had, a strong man. He is not ill," said Santiago Valledare, a driver watching the speech and saluting the television screen at a Caracas bar.
Chavez's ministers gave a joint appearance minutes after his speech ended, pledging to deepen his wide-reaching socialist reforms even in his absence and saying the government would remain united.
"This is not the time to go backward, it's time to advance," Vice-President Elias Jaua said.
Critics of the stalwart socialist responded to the announcement with a mix of snide glee and optimism about the chances for an opposition leader to take over after nearly a decade of failing to unseat him.
"This will lead to a transition of presidents. It's perfect!" said Freddy Herrera, 25, an accountant. "Because the revolution doesn't work, because socialism is a lie."
His government has canceled a July 5-6 summit coinciding with Venezuela's 200th anniversary of independence. That was a heavy blow for supporters who wanted the charismatic but authoritarian president -- who loves to grandstand at such big events -- back home in time for the national party.
"This development may open a period of unprecedented social and political uncertainty in Venezuela," Goldman Sachs analyst Alberto Ramos said in a note to clients.
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