Chavez Questions If U.S. Behind Cancer In Latin American Leaders

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez delivers a speech in mid-October, when he declared himself cancer-free after medical tests in Cuba.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has questioned the roots of recent cancer cases among Latin American leaders, speculating on whether the United States might have a way to induce the illness.

Referring to the diagnosis of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, Chavez on December 29 noted that he and the leaders of Brazil and Paraguay have also struggled with the illness recently.

He said that it was “very strange” and said he wonders if the United States could be responsible. But he said he was not accusing Washington because he doesn't have any proof of such a thing.

"Would it be strange if they had developed the technology to induce cancer and nobody knew about it until now? And we found out about it 50 or who knows how many years from now?" Chavez asked. "I don't know. I'm just reflecting, but this is very, very strange that we have all got cancer."

In mid-October, Chavez declared that his treatment for cancer had been successful and that he no longer had the disease. He had a malignant tumor removed in Cuba and subsequently underwent chemotherapy.

Chavez has long questioned whether the U.S. government could be plotting to oust him.

compiled from agency reports