Hugo Chavez said in 'good spirits'

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CARACAS, Venezuela, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, recuperating from cancer surgery in Cuba, is "in good spirits," his communications minister said Tuesday.

Communication and Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said in Caracas Chavez had met in Havana with new Foreign Minister Elias Jaua, El Universal reported. Villegas said Chavez, who hasn't been seen in public since going to Cuba early last month, "is attentive to developments in the country and is in very good spirits."

Villegas said the president's son and Science and Technology Minister Jorge Arreaza were given a "very encouraging" update on Chavez's health, the Venezuelan newspaper said.

However, he said, no date had been set for Chavez to return to Caracas.

Chavez was re-elected to another term in November but was not healthy enough to make it back to Venezuela for his scheduled Jan. 10 inauguration. His cancer, lack of visibility and limited information about his situation has created unease in his country.