Putin wishes Hugo Chávez a speedy recovery from his illness

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday congratulated President of Venezuela Hugo Chávez and wished him a speedy recovery from cancer, as the Venezuelan leader underwent a third cancer operation in Havana, Cuba on December 11.

Putin wished strength and resistance to the ailing Venezuelan president to overcome his illness and "take the helm again," so that under his command the Bolivarian Republic "may continue on the path towards development," said the Kremlin in a statement released by news agency Interfax.

Venezuelan Vice-President Nicolás Maduro reported from Havana that the health of the Bolivarian leader "remains delicate" following further "complications" arising after the operation that Chávez underwent on December 11 due to the recurrence of cancer, informed EFE.