Hugo Chavez returned to Venezuela on Saturday after undergoing chemotherapy treatment for his cancer in Cuba. The 56-year-old Chavez, who was greeted at the airport by members of his cabinet and top military officials, said he expected a quick recovery.
"I am very happy to be back. We will conquer this disease with the help of God and medical science in order to continue paving the way for a new motherland," said Chavez.
He added that Venezuela "cannot lose its way" or "become a colony" again but did not elaborate.
On Friday, Chavez said he had "successfully" finished a first round of chemotherapy and was getting ready for the second round, but did not discuss his schedule of treatment.
"There will be several rounds in order to win this battle and eliminate all risk of malignant cells." He also promised "unsurpassable" courage in his fight against the cancer.
Earlier this month, Chavez asked the National Assembly for permission to go to Cuba to continue treatment following his June operation. Though the National Assembly unanimously approved his request, required for the president to leave the country for more than five days, opposition leaders insisted it was not constitutional for Chavez to exercise executive authority from Cuba.
Critics of the president have demanded more details about his condition, as well as answers to why he cannot be treated in Venezuela, where authorities claim to have a quality health care system. Venezuela's government has not explained the extent of Chavez's cancer or provided any other details about the disease.