Official: Chavez Laughing, Joking, Giving Orders

Hugo Chavez might just be on the mend, at least according to the latest report from Venezuela's foreign minister. Elias Jaua said yesterday from Cuba, where Chavez went six weeks ago for cancer surgery, that the president is laughing and joking, Reuters reports. "Comrades, I'm coming out of the meeting with our commander-president, Hugo Chavez," Jaua tweeted. "We shared jokes and laughed." Chavez also gave instructions regarding an upcoming Latin American summit Venezuela will take part in, according to Jaua. Earlier this month, rumors had Chavez on life support, although recently he was still able to sign decrees from Cuba; now, some believe Chavez may be headed home soon. (More Venezuela stories.)