Castro has tumor, Brazilian newspaper says

August 5, 2006

Castro has tumor, Brazilian newspaper says
By Laila Bassam

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Cuban authorities have told the Brazilian
government that Cuban leader Fidel Castro has a malignant stomach tumor
and may be unable to return to full power, a Brazilian newspaper
reported on Saturday.

Folha de S.Paulo said Brazilian officials had been told that Castro's
illness marked the start of an irreversible transfer of power on the
Communist-ruled island.

Folha said Cuban authorities informed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio
Lula da Silva and members of the ruling Workers' Party about the
malignant stomach tumor this week. His condition was worse than has been
publicly admitted, according to Folha.

Cuban President Fidel Castro is shown listening to a speaker during the
May Day parade on Havana's Revolution Square, in this May 1, 2005 file
photo. (REUTERS/Claudia Daut)
"It looks like we will lose our friend," it quoted Lula as telling an aide.

It gave no source but the report was written by a respected journalist.
Brazilian officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Castro, 79, relinquished power temporarily last Monday to his younger
brother, Raul, after intestinal surgery.

Few details of his state of health have emerged, triggering uncertainty
about Cuba's future and speculation that his 47-year-old rule over Cuba
could be drawing to a close.

Cuban Cabinet ministers have said the Fidel Castro was recovering.

But Folha said the Brazilian authorities had been informed that even if
Castro recovered, he might not be able to assume full power again.

Lula had instructed his team to be discreet, it said. He told friends
Castro was a strong man who has been a friend in "difficult hours." He
hoped for his recovery.

The two men are old friends and the Workers' Party has longstanding ties
to Cuba, although Lula has moved the party away from its leftist roots
and toward the political center.

Lula has visited Cuba several times, most recently as president in 2003.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/8/6/worldupdates/2006-08-05T211555Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_-262538-1&sec=Worldupdates