Apparently, anyway. Fidel Castro still won't croak, despite reports to the contrary.
HAVANA – Cuban state television on Tuesday showed a video of a healthier looking Fidel Castro meeting and speaking with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the first images of the ailing leader shown in three months.
The report said the 10-minute video clip was taped on Monday during a in a two-hour private meeting in Havana that was not previously publicized.
The newest images seemed to be aimed at knocking down the most recent round of reports about Castro's health, including a report in the Spanish newspaper El Pais earlier this month that described his health as "grave."
Both leaders appeared to take pains in the video to make clear when the session occurred. Chavez could be heard saying that it began at 3 p.m. on Jan 29. Castro read aloud a headline of an article dated Saturday from the Argentine newspaper Clarin.
Castro, who was standing, more looked alert and heavier than in previous images that had showed him much more thin and frail. Dressed in a red, white and blue track suit, the 80-year-old was also shown sitting and drinking orange juice.
"Fidel has said that we have not lost this battle," Chavez said in the video. "I'll say something more: we have won it."
In honor of the unkillable zombie monster Fidel, we'd like to direct readers to this site where they can register their wishes for him. Take the opportunity to wish (T)Hugo all the best as well.
