Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has declared himself cancer-free four months after surgery to remove a malignant tumor. Chávez has not disclosed his cancer diagnosis, but underwent four rounds of chemotherapy. He marked his public return with a speech before thousands of supporters.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez: “Almost four months ago, exactly at the same time at this hour, I was in the operating room undergoing a procedure that lasted seven hours. The cancer was treated, and now, like a miracle, four months later, I am here standing again before you. I am here with you on the streets, yet four months later!”

Controversy has erupted over the past week after one of Chávez’s former doctors claimed the Venezuelan president has less than two years to live. The doctor, Salvador Navarrete, made the comments in an open letter and then fled Venezuela, citing fears for his safety. Navarrete last treated Chávez 10 years ago, but claims he obtained the information from relatives and members of Chávez’s medical team. Chávez’s current doctors have rejected Navarrete’s claims.