Venezuelan ruling party denies concealing Chavez's health condition

Key Words:Hugo Chavez; ;health condition; Venezuela;PSUV;

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CARACAS, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) denied on Monday accusation that it has been withholding information about President Hugo Chavez's health situation.

Jorge Rodriguez, mayor of the capital city of Caracas and a leader of the PSUV, told a press conference that the authorities have regularly updated the public on Chavez's health.

Information Minister Ernesto Villegas announced Sunday that the president's health condition has been progressing favorably, with the respiratory infection under control, although specific measures are still needed.

The remarks were the first official statement since Jan. 10 when Chavez, who won re-election in October, was scheduled to be sworn in for another six-year term.

Also on Monday, thousands of Chavez supporters prayed for his recovery during a major religious event in Venezuela's west central state of Lara.

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