"The general evolution of the patient is favorable, " said Villegas, who spoke in Santiago, Chile, where he is attending a meeting of European and Latin American leaders.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"Despite his delicate state of health following the complex surgical operation on 11 December, over the past few days the general medical evolution has been favourable and the president is strictly following medical treatment, " said Information Minister Ernesto Villegas, reading from a statement.

BBC: Venezuela President Hugo Chavez in 'favourable' health