The Venezuelan leadership is trying to reassure the people, assuring them of the gradual recovery of President Hugo Chavez
On January 14, 2013, it was reported that the health of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was gradually improving. On January 13, 2013, the Venezuelan Minister of Communications and Information, Ernesto Villegas, announced this. "Despite his weakened health after surgery on December 11, the president's condition has improved in recent days. The pulmonary infection is under control, Hugo Chavez is conscious," a senior Venezuelan official told reporters.