Hugo Chavez suffers 'complications' after surgery

Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, is suffering from "complications" brought on by a "severe lung infection" which developed after surgery, officials say.

Mr Chavez, 58, had his fourth operation for cancer in Cuba on 11 December and then developed a respiratory infection.

In a statement from Caracas, Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said the infection had "led to a respiratory insufficiency".

Mr Chavez is due to be sworn in for another term in office on 10 January.

"[Mr] Chavez has faced complications as a consequence of a severe lung infection," said Mr Villegas.

The president has not been seen in public since having cancer surgery in Havana, prompting persistent speculation about his condition.

Mr Villegas warned Venezuelans not to be taken in by a "psychological war" being fought in the media which had the "ultimate aim of destabilising the Bolivarian republic".

Vice-President Nicolas Maduro and National Assembly Head Diosdado Cabello were among several dignitaries to have visited Mr Chavez this week.

Mr Maduro said on Wednesday that President Chavez was "conscious" and had gripped his hand firmly as they discussed Venezuelan politics.

He and Mr Cabello flew back to Caracas on Thursday and dismissed rumours of a split in the governing socialist movement.

Opposition politicians say there have been no independent reports of the president's condition.