Venezuela Chavez Says Recovery From Knee Injury Will Be 'Slow'

DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

CARACAS -(Dow Jones)- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said recovery from a knee injury that forced him to cancel a three-nation tour of Latin America earlier this month "is going to be slow."

The socialist leader, who made his comments on his Twitter account late Thursday night, has canceled public appearances and has had to rest in bed since injuring his knee May 9.

He has, however, still been calling in to talk shows on state television.

Last weekend, Chavez said during one of his calls that he would not need surgery for the knee problem.

He announced the injury the night before a tour of Brazil, Ecuador and Cuba.