Chavez is Improving After Cancer Surgery

According to the vice-president

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has improved after a cancer operation and has started walking and exercising, the country's vice-president has said.

Nicolas Maduro told state TV he had spoken on the phone to Mr Chavez, describing the call as "the best present we could get this Christmas".

Mr Chavez underwent his fourth cancer operation on 11 December in Cuba but suffered a respiratory infection.