Chávez has a respiratory infection, according to official communiqué

Minister of Information and Communication Ernesto Villegas said on Thursday night that in general President Hugo Chávez is in stable condition, after suffering a respiratory infection on Monday, December 17, following a fourth surgery as part of his cancer treatment.

Reading a communique in an obligatory simultaneous radio and television address, Villegas said that according to the medical team taking care of the Venezuelan Head of State, this condition is common in patients undergoing complicated surgeries.

Doctors recommended complete rest and the adequate treatment in the coming days, the communiqué added.

Chávez underwent surgery last December 11 in Havana, Cuba, as part of his cancer treatment.