Chavez Says Castro Is in ‘Great Battle for Life’
President Hugo Chavez said Cuban President Fidel Castro is in a “great battle for life,” but he also expressed optimism about the 79-year-old’s prospects for recovery.
“From here, let’s pray to God for Fidel and his recovery,” Chavez said in a televised speech from the eastern state of Anzoategui.
His statement was the most serious yet from a close Castro ally in describing the Cuban leader’s condition. Castro announced he was stepping aside temporarily on July 31, granting his powers to his brother Raul, so he could undergo gastric surgery.
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