Ramon says young brother Fidel recovering

HAVANA – Fidel Castro’s older brother Ramon said his brother is recovering well from surgery six months ago, joining his other brother Raul in a growing number of upbeat assessments of the ailing leader’s health.

“He is doing very well, protected by the socialist saints!” a beaming 82-year-old Ramon said Friday after lunch with Florida cattleman John Parke Wright, a good friend and frequent visitor to the island. “Fidel is recovering well,” added Ramon, who looks remarkably like Fidel _ down to the now-wispy white beard.”All of us brothers are very resilient.”Ramon spent his life in agriculture and ranching and never held any major government positions.Ramon Castro’s positive assessment came one day after his 75-year-old brother Raul, the defence minister and acting president, told reporters of 80-year-old Fidel: “He’s getting better each day.””He’s exercising much,” he said in brief comments to the news media at the opening of an international book fair.”He has a telephone at his side and uses it a lot.”Reporters had less luck earlier Friday getting a statement about Fidel’s health from his son, Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart – known as “Fidelito” -who spoke at an international economics conference in Havana.He briefly greeted reporters and did not make any declaration.Nampa-AP”Fidel is recovering well,” added Ramon, who looks remarkably like Fidel _ down to the now-wispy white beard.”All of us brothers are very resilient.”Ramon spent his life in agriculture and ranching and never held any major government positions.Ramon Castro’s positive assessment came one day after his 75-year-old brother Raul, the defence minister and acting president, told reporters of 80-year-old Fidel: “He’s getting better each day.””He’s exercising much,” he said in brief comments to the news media at the opening of an international book fair.”He has a telephone at his side and uses it a lot.”Reporters had less luck earlier Friday getting a statement about Fidel’s health from his son, Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart – known as “Fidelito” -who spoke at an international economics conference in Havana.He briefly greeted reporters and did not make any declaration.Nampa-AP