CARACAS – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Saturday that he will start the third cycle of chemotherapy even though recent tests have not detected any more cancer cells.

“I’m set to begin my third cycle of chemotherapy in the next few hours, I’m getting everything ready with Elias (Jaua, Venezuela’s vice president) and the ministers in order to continue with this rate of treatment as the convalescent I am of the illness I had,” the president said.

Chavez announced on June 30 that 10 days before he had undergone surgery in Cuba to remove a tumor that proved to contain malignant cells, which, he said, were no longer found in succeeding examinations.

“I say this, and I say it not only with optimism, but also with the faith that the vast majority of us have in the restoration of my health and in the continuation of this battle, a battle for Venezuela,” the president said about his convalescence, but without offering any further details about where he will undergo treatment.

Chavez has received two cycles of chemotherapy since mid-July, both times in Cuba.

On Thursday, the head of state said that he still had no idea where he would receive the third cycle, and added that it could be either in Cuba or in Venezuela.

“Later we’ll report on this third cycle because I know that the country is waiting to hear about it, as are some friends outside Venezuela and some others who aren’t really friends (but who are also interested), we will report – pay attention and wait for it, those of you who are interested.”