Venezuela's Chavez: Health exams "absolutely fine"

In this photo provided by Miraflores Presidential Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, right, shakes hands with Belarus' Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Semashko at Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela, June 2, 2012. Semashko is in Venezuela on an official visit. / AP Photo/Miraflores Presidential Office

(AP) CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Saturday that he has undergone tests following his cancer treatment and everything came out well.

Chavez said the exams included imaging tests, which are used to check for the reappearance of tumors.

"Everything came out absolutely fine," Chavez told reporters at the presidential palace. "I feel very well."

Chavez appeared on the palace steps after a meeting with a Russian delegation. He saw off the visiting officials and then appeared energetic as he stepped close to reporters and animatedly responded to questions about his health, oil prices and his plans ahead of the country's October election.

"We're going to win this battle on Oct. 7," Chavez said. Motioning to the presidential palace, he said, "the bourgeoisie will never again return to this building."

Chavez accuses his rival, opposition leader Henrique Capriles, of representing the interests of the wealthy. Capriles, a moderate, plans to register his candidacy Sunday after leading a march of supporters through the city to the elections office. Chavez is scheduled to sign up as a candidate Monday.

The president returned home from Cuba on May 11 after what he said was his latest round of radiation therapy, and since then has limited his public appearances while saying little about his illness.

In the past year, Chavez has undergone two surgeries that removed tumors from his pelvic region, most recently in February. During Chavez's yearlong cancer struggle, he has not disclosed some details about his illness, including the type of cancer or the precise location of the tumors.

Chavez was asked Saturday about recent remarks by World Bank president Robert Zoellick, who in a speech said he believed "Chavez's days are numbered."

"To foolish words, deaf ears. I think the one that has its days numbered is global capitalism, of which the World Bank is a part," Chavez said.

[NoMoMonkeyBiznizz]

Everything came out absolutely fine?

That's too bad. I guess America will just have to wait a little longer.

[expatriate2]

To have a valid opinion, you need to go to Venezuela and witness the vast divisions that existed prior to Chavez when the poor were not even recognized as existing. No wonder there are references to the rich and poor because the rich ruled Venezuela and sapped its resources for decades before Chavez. You can go and gain a true perspective or fill your gas tank for eighty bucks in the U.S. and think everything's fine at home.

[1stlttightwad]

Everyone is fine, right up until they die. Add Morgan Freeman to the list, he took money and was bought off like so many of the Hollywood wackos...Long live Che, Hollywood? Shove it.

[Drivelphobe001]

He accuses Henrique Capriles of representing the wealthy? Sound familiar? Is Venezuela a model for the US? Ask Sean Penn if he wants to give away is assets and live on the government teat.