Caracas releases first post-op photos of Chavez

Venezuela released the first photos of ailing President Hugo Chavez in more than two months on Friday

Chavez is shown in his hospital bed, accompanied by his daughters, looking at Thursday’s issue of the Cuban Communist Party newspaper Granma. The images were broadcast on television by Chavez’s son-in-law, Science Minister Jorge Arreaza.

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The government showed the images amid widespread speculation and rumours about Chavez’s delicate condition following his December 11 cancer surgery.

The shots gave supporters of Chavez a first glimpse of their once media-happy and larger than life commandante as he convalesces.

Government opponents have been demanding more information about Chavez’s condition, and have been asking why he hasn’t spoken by phone on television as he often did during previous treatments in Cuba.

Chavez has been fitted with a breathing tube in his throat, making it hard for him to speak, Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said.

(FRANCE 24 with wires)