Castro says he's stable after surgery and in good spirits
HAVANA, Cuba (AP) - Cuban President Fidel Castro said his health is stable after surgery and he is in good spirits Tuesday as Cuba's government worked to impose a sense of normalcy on the first day in 47 years without the Cuban leader in charge.
A statement by Castro read on state television began with Castro saying: "I cannot make up positive news."
But he said his health is "stable" and "as for my spirits, I feel perfectly fine."
Castro expressed his gratitude for all the good wishes he's received from government leaders and supporters around the world and called on Cubans to remain calm and maintain their daily routines.
"The country is prepared for its defence," he said in the statement.
"Everyone needs to struggle, and work."
Earlier, a senior Cuban official insisted Castro's final moment is "very far away," despite his handing over power to his brother after surgery.
Raul Castro, the island's acting president, was nowhere to be seen as Cubans began to worry about what comes next and exiles in Miami celebrated a development they hoped signalled the death of a dictator. Cuban dissidents kept a low profile while watching for signs of Castro's condition.
"Everything's normal here - for the moment," said hospital worker Emilio Garcia, 41, waiting for a friend at a Havana hotel.
"But we've never experienced this before - it's like a small test of how things could be without Fidel."
The speaker of parliament, Ricardo Alarcon, rejected the notiont Castro's condition could be critical. He told the government's Prensa Latina news service the Cuban leader is known for fighting to the very end but said his "final moment is still very far away."
Alarcon also expressed disgust over celebrations taking place in Miami's Cuban exile community, "vomit-provoking acts" he said were being led by "mercenaries and terrorists."
He called on Cubans to unite and follow the example of Castro, who "watches over every detail and takes measures to confront any enemy aggression."
The main newscast on state-run TV gave no details of the 79-year-old leader's condition but ran a string of man-on-the-street interviews with Cubans wishing him well and professing confidence in the revolution's staying power. The anchor said Castro had the people's "unconditional support."
It was unknown when or where the surgery took place or where Castro was recovering. Alarcon called the surgery a "delicate operation" but provided no details.
The Venezuelan government, Cuba's closest ally, said Cuban officials reported Castro was "advancing positively" and leftist Argentine legislators Miguel Bonasso said Castro aides told him the leader was resting peacefully.
Cubans were stunned when Castro's secretary read a letter on state television Monday night announcing their leader was temporarily turning over power to his younger brother, the island's defence minister and the president's designated successor.
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Cubans wish Castro hasty recovery
A statement by Castro read on state television began with Castro saying: "I cannot make up positive news."
But he said his health is "stable" and "as for my spirits, I feel perfectly fine."
Castro expressed his gratitude for all the good wishes he's received from government leaders and supporters around the world and called on Cubans to remain calm and maintain their daily routines.
"The country is prepared for its defence," he said in the statement.
"Everyone needs to struggle, and work."
Earlier, a senior Cuban official insisted Castro's final moment is "very far away," despite his handing over power to his brother after surgery.
Raul Castro, the island's acting president, was nowhere to be seen as Cubans began to worry about what comes next and exiles in Miami celebrated a development they hoped signalled the death of a dictator. Cuban dissidents kept a low profile while watching for signs of Castro's condition.
"Everything's normal here - for the moment," said hospital worker Emilio Garcia, 41, waiting for a friend at a Havana hotel.
"But we've never experienced this before - it's like a small test of how things could be without Fidel."
The speaker of parliament, Ricardo Alarcon, rejected the notiont Castro's condition could be critical. He told the government's Prensa Latina news service the Cuban leader is known for fighting to the very end but said his "final moment is still very far away."
Alarcon also expressed disgust over celebrations taking place in Miami's Cuban exile community, "vomit-provoking acts" he said were being led by "mercenaries and terrorists."
He called on Cubans to unite and follow the example of Castro, who "watches over every detail and takes measures to confront any enemy aggression."
The main newscast on state-run TV gave no details of the 79-year-old leader's condition but ran a string of man-on-the-street interviews with Cubans wishing him well and professing confidence in the revolution's staying power. The anchor said Castro had the people's "unconditional support."
It was unknown when or where the surgery took place or where Castro was recovering. Alarcon called the surgery a "delicate operation" but provided no details.
The Venezuelan government, Cuba's closest ally, said Cuban officials reported Castro was "advancing positively" and leftist Argentine legislators Miguel Bonasso said Castro aides told him the leader was resting peacefully.
Cubans were stunned when Castro's secretary read a letter on state television Monday night announcing their leader was temporarily turning over power to his younger brother, the island's defence minister and the president's designated successor.
... More
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Cubans wish Castro hasty recovery
posted by Alice at
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
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