Venezuelan V.P. says he talked to Chavez

CARACAS, Venezuela, Dec. 25 (UPI) -- Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro says President Hugo Chavez, recovering from cancer surgery in Cuba, spent Christmas Eve with his family.

Maduro told the state-run TV channel Venezolana de Television he spoke with Chavez by phone Monday night, El Universal reported.

"Commander Chavez sends a kiss to all Venezuelan children and wishes all Venezuelans a Merry Christmas," he told VTV, adding the president "is sharing with his family the Christmas night."

The vice president said he and Chavez discussed the economy and other domestic affairs.

"During the telephone call, he gave us some directions," Maduro said. "He was in a good mood, always giving us his stamina.