Castro's ailment 'is not cancer'

Quote:

Castro's ailment 'is not cancer'

A leading Spanish surgeon who flew to Havana last week to examine Cuban leader Fidel Castro says he does not have cancer or need further surgery.

On returning to Spain, Jose Luis Garcia Sobredo said Mr Castro was recovering well and was in good spirits.

Dr Garcia went to Havana in response to a humanitarian request from the Cuban government, a Spanish official said.

The president, who is 80, is recuperating from surgery he underwent in July to stop intestinal bleeding.

Dr Garcia is an expert on intestinal ailments, particularly cancer.

Of Mr Castro, he said: "His physical activity is excellent, his intellectual activity intact, I'd say fantastic, he's recovering from his previous operation.

"He asks every day to return to work, but doctors advise him not to, to take it easy."

Mr Castro has placed his younger brother, Raul, in charge of the government.