Fidel Castro Says He's Lost 41 Pounds
Julie Farby - All Headline News Staff Writer Havana, Cuba (AHN)-Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro released a statement Tuesday saying he's lost more than 41 pounds since his intestinal surgery, but that the "most critical moment" is already behind him. In a statement published in the Communist Party daily Granma, the 80-year-old Castro says, "Today I am recovering at a satisfactory rhythm. I can affirm that the most critical moment has been left behind." It was accompanied by seven different photographs of Castro during his recovery, showing the leader seated and wearing either short-sleeved navy blue or light-blue pajamas. In several of the photos, he is reading or writing. The government has not announced whether Castro, or his younger brother Raul-who is serving as Cuba's provisional president during the elder sibling's recovery-will represent the country during the Sept. 11-16 gathering. On July 31, Castro said that he had undergone an emergency intestinal operation and was temporarily ceding his powers as head of the government and the Communist Party to his 75-year-old brother, Raul, the defense minister. The nature of his surgery and his specific ailment have been treated as a state secret. It is the first time in 47 years of rule that Castro has stepped aside, even temporarily.
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