Thursday, November 23, 2006

Cuban VP optimistic about Castro's recovery

Cuban VP optimistic about Castro's recovery

The Associated Press
Posted November 21 2006, 3:36 PM EST

HAVANA -- Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage said Tuesday he remains
optimistic about the recovery of ailing leader Fidel Castro, who stepped
aside temporarily after intestinal surgery four months ago.

``He continues to recover, his health continues to improve,'' Lage said
in a news broadcast shown on Cuban state television.

``We are very optimistic about his recovery,'' Lage added in comments to
reporters during a work visit to the eastern province of Holguin.

The exact nature of Castro's ailment and the operation he underwent in
late July remain a state secret.

On July 31, Castro announced in a statement read on Cuban television
that he was temporarily ceding power to his brother, 75-year-old Defense
Minister Raul Castro, while he recovered from his surgery.

There has been no official word on whether the elder Castro will
participate in a Dec. 2 military parade being held to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of communist Cuba's armed forces.

The parade will also belatedly mark Castro's 80th birthday, which was on
Aug. 13. A concert, an academic gathering, and an art exhibit are also
being held in late November and early December as part of the belated
birthday festivities.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/cuba/sfl-1121castro,0,2432973.story?coll=sfla-news-cuba

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