Chavez returns to Cuba for treatment

CARACAS - Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is traveling to Cuba for more medical treatment Tuesday, according to a letter from the president to the National Assembly released Tuesday.

The president of the National Assembly Diosdado Cabello read the letter from Chavez requesting permission from the congressional body to travel to Cuba for "hyperbaric oxygenation" as part of his post-cancer treatment.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez smiles as he speaks during a Council of Ministers at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, in this Nov 15, 2012 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

"I ask this sovereign assembly to authorize my absence from national territory beginning Nov 27 and my stay in our sister Republic of Cuba," the letter from Chavez said.

Chavez, 58, has fought cancer since mid-2011, undergoing surgery three times, as well as chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions in Cuba. He declared he was free of cancer before launching a reelection campaign, which he won in October.

"Six months after the last therapy, they have suggested I begin a special treatment, consisting of several sessions of hyperbaric oxygenation which, together with physiotherapy, are helping to consolidate the process of strengthening health I have been experiencing," said Chavez in his statement.

Chavez did not say when he would be returning from Cuba.

"Commander, the people of Venezuela expect you to continue with this alternative therapy to continue recovering. May you have a good trip and the people will be with you tomorrow, noon, night and forever," Cabello said, following the petition's approval.

Venezuela's Constitution obligates the president to request a leave of absence from Congress if the trip is for more than five days.