Chavez in Cuba for surgery

(Vatican Radio) Venezuela's ailing President Hugo Chavez is undergoing another round of cancer surgery in Cuba.

President Chavez arrived in Havana, accompanied by Rafael Correa- the President of Ecuador. Chavez who's described the surgery as essential, confirms it's in the same pelvic area as before. This is his fourth cancer surgery in Cuba in eighteen months.

He's publically transferred power to Vice President and close ally Nicolas Maduro during his absence, but stressed this is only temporary. Nevertheless he has also significantly named Maduro, has his chosen successor.

Unlike other Latin American Leaders, who've recently been successful treated for various type of cancer, Hugo Chavez has never publically disclosed what form he's suffering from, and this poses the lingering and unanswered question . . . why? Only Fidel Castro has maintained a similar stoical silence about what ailed him.

Only last October, Chavez was re-elected for the fourth successive term.

The future beacons, but for him remains open ended.

Listen to James Blears’ report: