Hugo Chavez Health Progressing, but 'Still in Battle' with Cancer; President Names New Foreign Minister

Ailing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is making progress in his fight with cancer, but is "still in battle" with the disease, Vice President Nicolas Maduro announced Tuesday on television, The Globe and Mail reported.

Maduro said that he and other officials met with the president Monday and that Chavez's health was progressing following treatment for a severe respiratory infection. Chavez was updated on "the government in a new stage" and other matters, he added.

"He asked our friend Rafael Ramirez about [certain] aspects, each one his element," Mr. Maduro said, The Globe and Mail reported. "Our commander is climbing the hill, he's advancing, and that fills us with great happiness."

Maduro refused to further elaborate about Chvez's condition, other than to say that he "is in battle."

Re-elected back in October, Chavez has not made any public comments since before his last cancer surgery in Cuba Dec. 11, and hasn't appeared in public for over a month. Still recovering from surgery in Cuba, Chavez was absent from his annual state of the union address.

To serve as his replacement, Maduro delivered a 10-page statement from Chavez to the Venezuela National Assembly president detailing the government's accomplishments over the last year. Maduro then delivered a speech lasting less than 10 minutes, and appointed Elias Jaua as Venezuela's new foreign minister. The Vice President said Chavez had designated Jaua specifically for the positon.

For the time being, Chavez is remaining in Cuba to undergo medical treatment, Maduro said.

"Everyone knows why he isn't here personally," Maduro said. "He is pressing on uphill. He's fighting on with his spirit, his vision, his love as a man full of will, life and dedication to the fatherland."

Officials said Sunday that Chavez's health was progressing "positively," noting that the President was conscious and in contact with his family and political advisers. 

"In spite of the delicate state of his health ... the general medical evolution has been favorable in recent days," a government statement said. The lung infection Chavez has been battling is under control, he claimed.

Neither Chavez, nor the Venezuelan government has announced what kind of cancer the President has.