Castro phone call a secret: Chavez

CARACAS – President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday that ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro asked him to keep it a secret that the two allies spoke by phone earlier this month so others would not get jealous.

Chavez, during a speech in the Venezuelan capital, said that recent Spanish press reports portraying Castro as near death were speculation but did not elaborate on the Cuban leader’s health. “About 10 days ago he called me and we spoke for about half an hour,” Chavez said.Chavez said he was breaking a promise because Castro had allegedly said to him: “I beg you please don’t tell anyone that I called you because then they get jealous, and others call me from I don’t know where and want to speak with me, but I’m hardly calling anyone.”Chavez gave no further details on their conversation or on Castro’s progress other than reiterating earlier comments that his situation was “delicate” and that his recovery was a “slow” and not free from risks.”There has been growing uncertainty about the health of the 80-year-old Fidel Castro, who has not been seen in public since he underwent intestinal surgery in July.He temporarily ceded his powers to his 75-year-old brother Raul.His medical condition has been kept a state secret, and Cuban officials have insisted he is recovering.Spanish newspaper El Pais has reported that Castro is suffering from diverticulitis, an inflammation of the colon that can lead to serious infection if contents from the intestine leak into the abdomen.A Cuban diplomat in Madrid said Tuesday that the newspaper’s report was “an invented story.”Nampa-AP”About 10 days ago he called me and we spoke for about half an hour,” Chavez said.Chavez said he was breaking a promise because Castro had allegedly said to him: “I beg you please don’t tell anyone that I called you because then they get jealous, and others call me from I don’t know where and want to speak with me, but I’m hardly calling anyone.”Chavez gave no further details on their conversation or on Castro’s progress other than reiterating earlier comments that his situation was “delicate” and that his recovery was a “slow” and not free from risks.”There has been growing uncertainty about the health of the 80-year-old Fidel Castro, who has not been seen in public since he underwent intestinal surgery in July.He temporarily ceded his powers to his 75-year-old brother Raul.His medical condition has been kept a state secret, and Cuban officials have insisted he is recovering.Spanish newspaper El Pais has reported that Castro is suffering from diverticulitis, an inflammation of the colon that can lead to serious infection if contents from the intestine leak into the abdomen.A Cuban diplomat in Madrid said Tuesday that the newspaper’s report was “an invented story.”Nampa-AP