Chavez on hand as Venezuela marks key independence date

[dipsydoodle]

Venezuela is marking the 200th anniversary of its independence from Spain, with President Hugo Chavez back from cancer surgery in Cuba.

Street parties are being held across the country, and there will be a military parade in Caracas.

President Chavez, who made a surprise return on Monday, said he would follow events from the presidential palace.

It is a key date for Mr Chavez, who says independence hero Simon Bolivar is his inspiration.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-14028095