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Castro recovering: doctor

MADRID: A Spanish doctor, who examined Cuban leader Fidel Castro, said on Tuesday he was recovering and did not have cancer. ``He asks every day to return to work, but doctors advise him not to,'' surgeon Jose Luis Garcia Sabrido told a news conference in Madrid after returning from Cuba.

Dr. Sabrido, who flew to Cuba last week to examine the 80-year-old Communist leader, said he did not need surgery but required muscular rehabilitation and a strict diet in order to recover.

``He does not have cancer, he has a problem with his digestive system,'' Dr. Sabrido told Reuters after the news conference.

Mr. Castro's disappearance from public after an emergency surgery for intestinal bleeding in July sparked frenzied speculation about his state of health.

Dr. Sabrido said Mr. Castro did not need more surgery.

``He has his intellectual activity intact, I'd say fantastic given the recovery from the previous surgery,'' he said.

In good spirits

He also said that he was amazed at Mr. Castro's good spirits. ``He wants to return to work everyday,'' he said.

Spanish authorities on Monday confirmed that Dr. Sabrido had travelled to Cuba's capital with advanced medical equipment for Mr. Castro and to study a possible surgery. The Madrid's health department has been sending medicines to Cuba since June.

In Havana, Cuban officials declined to comment on the doctor's statement, but his prognosis was in line what they have been saying for months.

The Cuban population was unaware of Dr. Sabrido's visit to Cuba. ``Does that mean he will back in power,'' asked a housewife in central Havana who asked not be named.

Dr Sabrido said Mr. Castro could govern Cuba again.

``Yes, if his recovery is complete, yes,'' said the digestive system specialist who knows the Castro family and is a regular visitor to Cuba for medical conferences and to give treatment. Dr Sabrido said it was the first time he had treated Mr. Castro, and he did not plan to return to Cuba in the near future as the leader had an excellent medical team. — Agencies

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