Cuban leader Fidel Castro, in his first live comments since falling ill more than six months ago, declared that he feels “more energetic, stronger” and said his country is running smoothly without him at the helm. Calling in to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s radio talk show, Castro said, “I feel good and I’m happy.” During the live broadcast, he said: “I can’t promise that I’ll go over there soon, but, yes, I’m gaining ground. I feel more energetic, stronger.” Castro thanked Chavez for spreading news about his health and complained that his supporters have “the habit, the vice of getting news daily.”He asked for patience as he recuperates, saying “the country is marching along, which is what is important. And I ask for tranquility also for me so that I can fulfill my new tasks.”The conversation was not aired live in Cuba but, shortly afterward, Cuban state television broke into the regular nightly news programme to broadcast the exchange.“You don’t know how happy we are to hear your voice and know that you’re well,” Chavez said with obvious surprise in his voice at the unexpected call.
