Hugo Chavez 'fighting for his life' 

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has not been seen in public for more than a month, is "fighting for his life" after cancer surgery in Cuba, former vice president Elias Jaua has said. 

Mr Chavez's extended absence has fuelled growing political uncertainty in Venezuela. But Mr Jaua said the usually outspoken and ever-present leftist leader was "alive and fighting for a full recovery."

"The situation is complex and delicate, but it is true that Hugo Chavez has fought and is fighting for his life," saidMr Jaua, who was vice president from January 2010 until October.

He spoke during a meeting in Caracas of the ruling United Socialist Party in support of Mr Chavez. Similar meetings were held simultaneously in the cities of Zulia (northwest), Trujillo (west) and Vargas (north), and were broadcast on government television.

His comments came as the government said Mr Chavez's lung infection had been controlled.

"Despite his delicate state of health ... in recent days the general medical evolution has been favourable," said the statement. "The respiratory infection is controlled ... the president is conscious."