Maduro insists that Chávez's condition is stable

"We have to say responsibly and happily that President (Hugo Chávez) is undergoing treatment as prescribed by his doctors. He is stable, improving, slowly, little by little, day by day. God and all the spiritual power of our people and our brothers in the world will allow us to have him sooner than later here in Venezuela, with his smile, his strength."

In this way, Vice-President Nicolás Maduro described late on Friday the condition of President Chávez, who underwent a fourth operation in Havana earlier this month as part of his cancer treatment. Maduro rejected the fact that speculation has been used to ignite anxiety about the health of President Chávez.

The Venezuelan VP called upon the international press to respect and handle with discretion Chávez's health condition, who is recovering from a surgery performed in Havana, Cuba.

"We have lived difficult and complex days. Fortunately the news we receive from Havana every day are very encouraging about the gradual recovery of Commander Hugo Chávez. He is strengthening," Maduro said, as quoted by Efe.

He described as "filthy" the media reports about the alleged death of Chávez.

"Venezuela demands respect (...) Stop lying; stop it, please. Respect his family (...) and the people of Venezuela," he said.

Maduro stressed that Chávez is in full exercise of his duties and undergoing a medical treatment. He remarked that the path of the revolution was outlined by Chávez

Maduro's remarks came at the inauguration of José Gregorio Vielma Mora as governor of Táchira state, southwest Venezuela.