Cuba releases photographs showing Venezuelan President Chavez recuperating from cancer

Caracas, Mar 3(ANI): Cuba has released photographs showing Venezuelan President ugo Chavez smiling and chatting with former leader Fidel Castro after undergoing surgery for malignant tumour.

One of the photographs released by Cuban state media shows Chavez dressed in a blue, white and black tracksuit and walking in a room without aid.

Another photograph shows Chavez engaged in a conversation with Castro apparently in a Havana hospital, CBS News reports.

Chavez, 57, flew to Cuba on February 24 for seeking a cancer surgery.

Chavez said doctors have put him on a special diet, and added that he is taking daily walks and spending time with close relatives.

Chavez, however, did not provide specific details of the surgery.

"I cannot neglect my recuperation treatment for even a minute. I continue recovering, thanks to Venezuela's support, the Cuban people, the doctors here in Cuba, to the love from the people that fills me. I'm taking flight, raising the fatherland of the future," he added.

His statement came ahead of his 2012 re-election bid

His campaign rival, Henrique Capriles has wished him a full and quick recovery, but also criticized the Venezuelan authorities for releasing scarce information on Chavez's health.

Chavez has repeatedly vowed to recover quickly and defeat Capriles, but some political analysts said the former's illness could bolster his rival's chances in the October election. (ANI)