Chavez Gives Venezuela Economic Orders in Christmas Eve Call

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez gave orders on economic policy by telephone from Havana that will be discussed in meetings from today, the country’s vice president said.

Chavez and Vice President Nicolas Maduro talked for about 20 minutes, Maduro told state television at around 11 p.m. local time on Dec. 24. Venezuala’s leader is in good spirits and is walking, said Maduro.