Chavez aware of ‘complex’ condition

CARACAS - Agence France-Presse

Chavez’s successor Maduro (L) says he is awaiting a positive outcome. AFP photo

Hugo Chavez is conscious and fully aware of how “complex” his condition remains three weeks after undergoing difficult cancer surgery in Havana, the Venezuelan president’s handpicked successor said Jan. 1.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro, who accused the Venezuelan right of spreading what he described as sick lies and rumors about Chavez’s health, said that he had spoken to the ailing leader twice over the past three days. “He is absolutely aware of how complex the post-operative condition is,” Maduro said. Maduro provided no specifics about Chavez’s condition but defended the government’s efforts to keep the public abreast of the president’s health. He said Chavez demanded that “we should keep the people informed, always with the truth no matter how hard it might be in a given circumstance.”

He added that Chavez had squeezed his hand “with gigantic force” while they talked.