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Caribbean-Latin America
Castro to Mark 80th Birthday in Recovery
2006-08-12
HAVANA (AP) - It was supposed to be the ultimate tribute, several days of parties and concerts to mark Fidel Castro's 80th birthday. But instead of listening to folk music and attending conferences on his legacy, Castro is expected to spend his birthday Sunday in bed, recovering from surgery for intestinal bleeding.
"¡Commandante! ¡We have Generalissimo Franco on line one for a wonderful birthday greeting!"
A few Cubans say it won't be long before Castro is giving five-hour speeches once again, but many believe he will never be quite the same.
He's going to be much more stable real soon now.
Details on Fidel Castro's whereabouts and medical condition are a mystery. On Friday, it was unknown whether any birthday celebrations would take place this weekend. A long list of leftist international artists and foolish intellectuals all of whom should know better had planned to travel to Havana to fete Castro on his big day, but after the announcement of his illness, the celebration was pushed back to December. Top officials in recent days have said he is recuperating and should be back to work in upcoming weeks, reassuring many Cubans. But some skeptics say they believe the situation may be more grave than officials admit. Many doubt the Cuban leader will make even a brief appearance to cut his cake Sunday - especially after hearing close friend Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's remark Thursday that Castro is in a "great battle for life."
Kiss of death right there.
Posted by:Steve White

#5  Would it be too much to ask for the airforce to swoop down low and buzz the hospital for Fidel's birthday? And maybe deliver a Jdam or two with a pretty bow?
Posted by: WTF   2006-08-12 17:10  

#4  Hell, the Beard can use the brain stem for most of his speech functions.
Posted by: 6   2006-08-12 11:40  

#3  Now he's up, walking, talking and being briefed

but, of course, there's no pictures or video...go figure?

(Reuters) - Cuban President Fidel Castro is walking, talking and being briefed, according to a cryptic statement published Saturday in the Communist Party daily, Granma, a day before the "Maximum Leader's" 80th birthday.

"Someone who visited the comandante a few hours ago to brief him on certain matters ... said he witnessed how the head of the revolution, after receiving a little physical therapy, walked in the room and later, sitting in a chair, engaged in an animated conversation," Granma said.

Castro has not been seen publicly since he temporarily ceded power to his younger brother on July 31 because of complicated abdominal surgery. His last public appearance was on July 26.

His health is being treated as a state secret and there has been no information as to where he is being treated, who is visiting him or any detail on his health.

"Our friend saw the comandante up and about, like someone anticipating new victories," Granma said.
Posted by: Frank G   2006-08-12 10:57  

#2  I've ignored Castro all my life, why allow him the attention he craves now?
Posted by: Redneck Jim   2006-08-12 09:46  

#1  "Great battle for life" with Castro is an oxymoron.
Die punk. Die.
Posted by: newc   2006-08-12 00:34  

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