CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela's military chief says President Hugo Chavez is experiencing "his best moment" following cancer-related surgery in December.

Chavez hasn't appeared or spoken publicly since before his Dec. 11 operation in Cuba for an unspecified type of pelvic cancer.

The government has said recently that Chavez's condition has been improving and that he has overcome a severe respiratory infection.

Defense Minister Diego Molero commented on the president's health on Sunday, following a prayer meeting for the socialist leader.