CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela's government says President Hugo Chavez is being treated for "respiratory deficiency" after complications from a severe lung infection.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez (AFP photo)

Information Minister Ernesto Villegas provided the update on Chavez's condition Thursday night. He read from a statement saying that Chavez's lung infection had led to "respiratory deficiency" and required strict compliance with his medical treatment.

The government expressed confidence in Chavez's medical team and condemned what it called a "psychological war" in international media surrounding the president's condition.

Chavez has not been seen or heard from since his Dec 11 operation in Cuba. Venezuela's opposition has demanded more specific information from the government about his health.

Related search: Hugo Chavez, Venezuelan President, lung infection, respiratory deficiency