Venezuelan Vice President Nicolás Maduro has visited President Hugo Chávez in Cuba, where he has been suffering from complications after a recent cancer surgery. In a television interview, Maduro attempted to assuage rumors about the president’s health, but gave little specific information about his condition.

Vice President Nicolás Maduro: “During these days, I was able to see him (President Hugo Chávez) twice and speak with him. He is completely conscious of the complexity of his post-operative state, and he expressly asked us keep the people informed, always with the truth, regardless of how hard it may be.”