Chávez is increasingly performing his duties

Minister of Science and Technology Jorge Arreaza said Tuesday that he met with President Hugo Chávez in Havana, Cuba. The official explained that the Venezuelan president is increasingly resuming his role and giving orders and instructions.

Arreaza told state-run television channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV) that Chávez approved funds for projects in different areas.

He explained that some of the funds would be used to purchase parts for free government-issued laptops called "Canaimitas," which the government has delivered to schoolchildren. He noted that free laptops would be delivered to high school students as of this year.

On the other hand, he stressed that Chávez approved the purchase of the Center for a New Life Transition -a building originally intended to host a major mall in Caracas downtown and that was seized by the government. "It will have another purpose now," he said.

Further, Arreaza announced that another nine towns would be included in the digital television program.

"This is part of the new era of digital television, which is operating in 13 cities across the country," he said. Pilots tests are under way throughout the country, with more than 100,000 decoders delivered, he wrapped up.