Castro denies US claims that his health is failing

Duncan Campbell

Fidel Castro has rebutted American claims about his health failing, saying his recovery was far from being a “lost battle”. In his traditional new year’s address, commemorating the 1959 revolution on the island, the 80-year-old Cuban leader said in a statement read by a radio newsreader that he was grateful for the people’s “affection and support”. He added: “Regarding my recovery, I have always warned that it could be a prolonged process, but it is far from being a lost battle. I collaborate as a disciplined patient, attended by the devoted team of doctors.”