Special Report: Fidel Castro undergoes surgery
Vedio: Cuban President Castro recovers ahead of 80th birthday

This photo released by the Cuban newspaper Juventud Rebelde on 13 August 2006 shows one of the first pictures of Cuban leader Fidel Castro taken after his surgery, with Castro quoted as saying, "I feel very happy." (Xinhua/AFP photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    HAVANA, Aug 13 (Xinhua) -- The Cuban newspaper Juventud Rebelde on Sunday published a new statement from the Cuban leader Fidel Castro, saying that his health has improved, but warning he still faces risks.

    "I ask you all to be optimistic," Castro was quoted as saying by the newspaper, adding, "the recovery period will take a short time, and (to say that) there is no risk would be absolutely incorrect."

    The newspaper also released the first pictures of Castro taken after his gastrointestinal surgery.

    Two of the pictures show him speaking on the phone. Another has him holding a newspaper with his own picture on the front page.

A release by Cuban newspaper Juventud Rebelde shows one of the first pictures of Cuban leader Fidel Castro taken after his surgery. (Xinhua/AFP photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    Cuba's Communist Party daily Granma reported on Saturday that the Cuban leader, who turns 80 on Sunday, walked around the room before sitting in a chair and engaging in an animated conversationafter receiving a little physical therapy.

    Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez on Saturday announced at a news conference in Caracas that he would visit Castro to celebrate his 80th birthday with a "nice gift and good cake".

    Major celebrations of Castro's 80th birthday have been postponed to Dec. 2, the 50th anniversary of Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces.

    Castro said in a statement on July 31 that he had undergone surgery and had temporarily handed the presidency and the post as the first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba to defense minister Raul Castro. Enditem

Related: Cuba's Castro turns 80, recovering well

    HAVANA, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who turns 80 on Sunday, is reported to be walking and talking again on Saturday, while Venezuela President Hugo Chavez will pay a visit to Havana with a birthday cake.

    Cuba's Communist Party daily Granma reported Saturday that Castro walked in the room and were later sitting in a chair, engaged in an animated conversation after receiving a little physical therapy.

    Chavez on Saturday announced at a news conference in Caracas that he would visit Castro to celebrate his 80th birthday with a nice gift and good cake. Full story <<<