Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com

Venezuela's Chavez says spoke with ailing Castro
12-16-2006

CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters): Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Friday that he spoke on Thursday with ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who temporarily stepped aside in July following intestinal surgery.

Chavez is a close Castro ally who maintains in steady contact with the communist leader. The seriousness of Castro's ill health is guarded as a state secret.

"I bring you a fresh greeting from Fidel," said Chavez, speaking before an auditorium of supporters. "Yesterday in the afternoon I had the good fortune to speak with Fidel on two occasions, in the afternoon and in the evening."

Castro was forced to relinquish control over Cuba after more than 40 years of iron-fisted rule and open confrontation with Washington, which has maintained a strict trade embargo on the Caribbean island.