Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (C) gestures before leaving for Cuba at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Dec. 10, 2012. President Hugo Chavez returned to Cuba early Monday for emergency surgery. (Xinhua/Venezuelan Presidency)

Related:

Venezuela's Chavez in Cuba for surgery

HAVANA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez returned to Cuba early Monday for emergency surgery after designating Vice President Nicholas Maduro as his replacement should he become incapacitated, official sources said.Full Story

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (L) is seen before leaving for Cuba at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Dec. 10, 2012. President Hugo Chavez returned to Cuba early Monday for emergency surgery. (Xinhua/Venezuelan Presidency)

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (R) is seen before leaving for Cuba at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia, Venezuela, Dec. 10, 2012. President Hugo Chavez returned to Cuba early Monday for emergency surgery. (Xinhua/Venezuelan Presidency)