Venezuela's Hugo Chavez return to Cuba for radiotherapy.

BBC - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is heading back to Cuba for further radiotherapy treatment for cancer.

Mr Chavez had surgery in Cuba last month to remove a tumour in his pelvic area after a recurrence of cancer first treated last year.

The Venezuelan leader's illness has cast doubt on his ability to campaign for re-election in October.

Mr Chavez will coincide in Havana with Pope Benedict, who is due to fly to Cuba on Monday.

"Tonight I leave for Havana. I have decided on the recommendation of my medical team and my political team to begin the radiation treatment on Sunday," Mr Chavez said during a televised meeting with his cabinet.

He sad the treatment was a complement to the surgery he had a month ago, from which he says he is recovering well.

Last year Mr Chavez had surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy in Cuba, after a baseball-sized growth was detected in his pelvic region.

The 57-year-old has never revealed the exact nature of his cancer, fuelling speculation that his health may be worse than officially stated.

He has told Venezuelan to ignore rumours he says are aimed at destabilising the country.

In October's election, he is facing a strong challenge from opposition candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski.

Mr Chavez, who has been in power since 1999, is seeking another six-year term to continue his programme of "socialist revolution".