VP Maduro: Chávez taken to the Caracas military hospital

After the arrival early on Monday of President Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, Vice-President Nicolás Maduro urged the revolutionary forces "to continue to give the best in the battle for the homeland."

Maduro said the Venezuelan president was taken to the Carlos Arvelo Military Hospital, southwest Caracas, where he will continue his post-operative treatment: "Chávez is an example of permanent battle."

"The greatest joy is right now in the heart of millions. This battle continues and the commander is here with the people," said Maduro, who thanked especially the president of Cuba, Raúl Castro, and the Cuban revolution leader, Fidel Castro, for having the best medical staff available to the president.

He said that in the next few hours, the first vice-president of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Diosdado Cabello would convene a meeting to discuss the strategies of the revolutionary militancy.

"We have faith because President Chávez is back," said Maduro, adding that in the course of the a report on Chávez's health progress would be disclosed.