Allies of Venezuela's president Hugo Chávez have moved to allay fears over the left-wing leader's health, saying he is firmly in control of the country and improving after emergency surgery in Cuba.
Pro-Chavez congresswoman Cilia Flores told state television that Mr Chávez "is fulfilling all of the responsibilities" under the constitution, and said she had spoken to him earlier in the day.
"He's energetically giving us instructions," she said.
Information minister Andres Izarra told Union Radio that Mr Chávez is recovering, adding: "We hope to have him here soon."
Mr Izarra joked that some government opponents, particularly those speculating about the president's health, are suffering from what he called "Chávez abstinence syndrome."
Defence minister Carlos Mata Figueroa, meanwhile, told the state-run newspaper Ciudad Caracas that Mr Chávez is "genuinely recovering" following surgery for a pelvic abscess on June 10th. In comments published yesterday, he said Venezuela's military "is asking God for his quick recovery."
Mata Figueroa, an army general, said soldiers are eager to see Mr Chávez return to Venezuela before July 5th celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the South American nation's independence from Spain.
Opposition leaders have accused Mr Chávez of failing to fully inform the country about his health, saying the president's condition should not be shrouded in secrecy.
Despite assurances from top government officials and close relatives that the 56-year-old is recuperating, the president's silence and seclusion since the operation have spurred growing speculation he might be seriously ill.
Ms Flores rejected that idea and demanded critics "respect the president's right to recuperate, the right he has to follow medical instructions."
Nobody has heard Mr Chávez speak publicly since he told Venezuelan state television by telephone two days after his surgery that he was quickly recovering. He said medical tests had showed no sign of any "malignant" illness.
It remains unclear when he will return to Venezuela.
AP