One of the more interesting aspects of the Fidel Castro health saga has been the emergence of Latin America's premier gastroenterologist: Hugo Chavez. As documented on this blog here and here, Mr. Chavez has routinely provided updates on Castro's recovery from intestinal surgery. And as you might expect, this charismatic leader has done so with a flair and panache unmatched by your typical PR flack or commie stooge. In fact, word has it that Chavez will lend his talents to Kim Jong-il when the North Korean leader has his annual colonoscopy next month.
Anyway, Dr. Chavez was at it again yesterday offering his prognosis for Castro's recovery and dispelling rumors that the Cuban "leader" has one foot in the grave. Oh...And naturally the good doctor blamed the US for everything, which apparently includes using the embargo to deny Castro a high fiber diet. As reported by Reuters:
QUITO (Reuters) - Fidel Castro's recovery from surgery is slow and has risks, his close ally Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Tuesday, but he denied a Spanish newspaper report the Cuban leader's condition was serious.
Chavez, who regularly visits or speaks with Castro and gives frequent updates on his health in speeches, was less upbeat than he typically is about his mentor's convalescence following surgery on his intestine last year.
Chavez accused the United States of being behind false reports exaggerating the illness, which has forced Castro to temporarily hand power over to his brother on the communist-run island. "The empire (the United States) is bent on killing off Fidel Castro," Chavez said.
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