Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro received a visit at his bedside from his main ally Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the Communist Party newspaper Granmasaid today, publishing pictures of the two men.
The daily said Castro, who underwent stomach surgery two weeks ago, was fighting "for life." The pictures show Chavez shaking Castro's hand on his 80th birthday yesterday, handing him presents, writing notes together and drinking what appears to be milk.
Also present at the reunion was Castro's younger brother Raul, who made his first public appearance on Sunday as acting president of Cuba when he greeted Chavez at Havana airport.
"It was an unforgettable afternoon, shared between brothers of the cause, that brought new strength and encouragement to the brave Comandante of a thousand battles who is seeking a new victory for life," Granma said.
Castro handed over the reins of government temporarily to his brother on July 31st after undergoing surgery to stop intestinal bleeding. There were no new details on Castro's condition.
But in a birthday message to Cubans on Sunday, Castro said his recovery could take time and cautioned them to be ready for bad news. "I suggest you be optimistic and, at the same time, always prepared to receive bad news," he said in his message.
Venezuela's presidential press office said Chavez met with Castro but did not describe the meeting.
Agencies