Hugo Chávez is Recuperating and Still in Control, Allies Say

FILE - In this June 17, 2011 file photo released by Granma newspaper, Venezuela President Hugo Chavez and his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, and his former president Fidel (not pictured here), at a hospital as Chavez recuperates from surgery for a pelvic abscess in Havana, Cuba. Allies of Chavez assured Venezuelans on Monday June 27, 2011 that Chavez is firmly in control of the country and improving after emergency surgery in Cuba, comments meant to damp speculation about his health. Chavez's surgery was June 10 and it remains unclear when he will return to Venezuela. (AP Photo/Granma, File) (AP2011)

Rumors of Venezuela President Hugo Chávez's demise have apparently been greatly exaggerated, members of his administration say.

The leftist leader's allies assured Venezuelans on Monday their president is firmly in control of the country and improving after emergency surgery in Cuba, comments meant to dampen speculation about his health.

Pro-Chávez lawmaker Cilia Flores told state television that Chávez "is fulfilling all of the responsibilities" under the constitution, and said she had spoken to him earlier in the day.

"He's energetically giving us instructions," she said.

Defense Minister Carlos Mata Figueroa, meanwhile, told the state-run newspaper Ciudad Caracas that Chávez is "genuinely recovering" following surgery for a pelvic abscess on June 10.

In comments published Monday, he said Venezuela's military "is asking God for his quick recovery."

Mata Figueroa, an army general, said soldiers are eager to see Chávez return to Venezuela before July 5 celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the South American nation's independence from Spain.

Opposition leaders have accused Chávez of failing to fully inform Venezuelans about his health, saying the president's condition should not be shrouded in secrecy.

Despite assurances from top government officials and close relatives that the 56-year-old Chávez is recuperating, the president's silence and seclusion since the operation have spurred growing speculation he might be seriously ill.

Flores, the congresswoman, rejected that idea and demanded critics "respect the president's right to recuperate, the right he has to follow medical instructions."

Nobody has heard Chávez speak publicly since he told Venezuelan state television by telephone two days after his surgery that he was quickly recovering. He said medical tests had showed no sign of any "malignant" illness.

It remains unclear when he will return to Venezuela.

Chávez's Twitter account carried three messages Saturday, but it has not provided any information about his health.

Based on reporting by The Associated Press.