U.S.: Castro's health is deteriorating

Posted on Sun, Nov. 12, 2006

U.S.: Castro's health is deteriorating
KATHERINE SHRADER
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The government believes Fidel Castro's health is
deteriorating and that the Cuban dictator is unlikely to live through 2007.

That dire view was reinforced last week when Cuba's foreign minister
backed away from his prediction the ailing Castro would return to power
by early December. "It's a subject on which I don't want to speculate,"
Felipe Perez Roque told The Associated Press in Havana.

U.S. government officials say there is still some mystery about Castro's
diagnosis, his treatment and how he is responding. But these officials
believe the 80-year-old leader has cancer of the stomach, colon or pancreas.

He was seen weakened and thinner in official state photos released late
last month, and it is considered unlikely that he will return to power
or survive through the end of next year, said the U.S. government and
defense officials. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they
were not authorized to speak publicly about the politically sensitive topic.

With chemotherapy, Castro may live up to 18 months, said the defense
official. Without it, expected survival would drop to three months to
eight months.

American officials will not talk publicly about how they glean clues to
Castro's health. But U.S. spy agencies include physicians who study
pictures, video, public statements and other information coming out of Cuba.

A planned celebration of Castro's 80th birthday next month is expected
to draw international attention. The Cuban leader had planned to attend
the public event, which already had been postponed once from his Aug. 13
birthday.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/15994900.htm