English translation of statement read by Vice President Nicolas Maduro in Havana on Sunday about the health of President Hugo Chavez:

"The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela fulfills its duty by informing the Venezuelan people about the course of President Hugo Chavez's medical treatment after the surgery performed in Havana, Cuba on Dec. 11.

"As is known, on December 28 we traveled to Havana on the instructions of the President Commander, and I proceed to make the following report:

"Arriving in Havana, we went immediately to the hospital to update ourselves firsthand on the situation of the Commander President's health.

"We were informed of new complications arising from the already known respiratory infection.

"Yesterday, we kept abreast of the evolution of the situation and the response to treatment. We met several times with his medical team and his closest relatives.

"A few minutes ago we were with President Chavez, we greeted each other and he himself referred to these complications.

"We had the opportunity to share with the current national situation, the successful inaugurations of Bolivarian governors in 20 departments, and the satisfactory reception of his New Year message to the Bolivarian National Armed Forces.

"In particular, Commander Chavez wanted his New Year greeting transmitted to all Venezuelan families, who are gathering together in these days along the length and breadth of the country; he especially sent a warm hug to all the boys and girls of Venezuela, reminding them that he always holds them close to his heart. The embrace was extended to all our people, so that they receive love in 2013, a year which should be of the greatest happiness for our homeland, of definitive consolidation of our independence and national unity. Continued...