Cuba Says Castro Is Improving

The Cuban newspaper, Granma, is reporting today that Fidel Castro's medical condition is improving. The paper said Castro is sitting up, walking, talking, and even doing some work. Castro is recovering from intestinal surgery. A friend of Castro's was quoted as saying that Castro, "after receiving a little physical therapy, took some steps in his room and then, seated in a chair, conversed animatedly." He also said he saw Castro "briefly dispatching some business."

Cuban government officials have been saying that Castro is doing well with his recovery, and should be back to work in a few weeks, but the Granma article was the most detailed report on Castro's condition. Yesterday, Venezulan President Chavez said that although Castro's medical condition was serious, he was confident of a full recovery.

Tomorrow is Fidel Castro's 80th birthday. Hopefully, his birthday present this year will be a quick and complete recovery.