Hugo Chavez’s health improves after surgery

CARACAS - Reuters

A supporter of Chavez attends a mass to pray for his health in Caracas. REUTERS photo

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is improving after a cancer operation in Cuba and has started exercising, officials said Dec. 24, amid doubts over whether he is in good enough health to continue governing.

Vice President Nicolas Maduro said he had spoken by phone with Chavez, who was walking and doing exercises as part of his treatment. “We’ve gotten the best present we could get this Christmas: a phone call from our commander president,” Maduro said in a state television. Chavez has not been heard from in two weeks following a fourth operation for cancer. His allies are now openly discussing the possibility that he may not be back in time to be sworn in for his third six-year term on the constitutionally mandated date of Jan. 10.