VENEZUELA, February 22 --- Venezuela's president says he is once again facing surgery to fight off cancer.  Hugo Chavez announced on state television Tuesday doctors had detected a two-centimeter lesion in his pelvis, where last year doctors removed a tumor.

The 57-year-old Chavez, had two operations and underwent chemotherapy in Caracas and Havana last year and had been saying he was cancer-free. 

The president remains popular and is seeking a third six-year term in October elections. He was first elected in 1998 and then won elections in 2000 and 2006.  Chavez is a vehement critic of the United States and an ally of communist-ruled Cuba.

Source: voanews.com