Chavez In 'Favorable' Condition

Hugo Chavez

The Venezuelan government has given an update on the status of ailing President Hugo Chavez.

A Venezuelan government spokesman said Chavez is responding well to treatment for a lung infection at a Cuban hospital and described his medical condition as "favorable."

Chavez has been fighting the infection since undergoing a fourth round of surgery December 11 for cancer in the pelvic area.

Chavez, who missed his own inauguration for a new, six-year term last week, has not been seen or heard from in public since the surgery.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP