Hugo Chavez starting more treatment in Cuba

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) -- Venezuela's government says President Hugo Chavez has begun additional treatment after he bounced back from complications following cancer surgery in Cuba more than six weeks ago.

Venezuelan Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said on the sidelines of a summit meeting in Chile that when Chavez underwent surgery on Dec. 11, a "malignant lesion" with severe complications was removed from the pelvis.

Villegas said that Chavez has overcome a severe respiratory infection that set in after the surgery, although he still has "a certain degree of respiratory insufficiency" and is being treated for that.

Villegas said for the first time that doctors have begun to apply, in his words, "systemic medical treatment" for his illness. He didn't give details.