HAVANA (AP) - Ailing leader Fidel Castro said in a new statement released Tuesday that he's lost more than 41 pounds in more than a month since undergoing intestinal surgery but the "most critical moment has been left behind." "Today I am recovering at a satisfactory rhythm," said the statement published in the Communist Party daily Granma, which was accompanied by new photographs of the 80-year-old Castro. He said he recently had the last stitches from his surgery removed, after 34 days of convalescence.
"In the coming days I will be receiving distinguished visitors," he added, apparently referring to some of the heads of state and government who will travel to the summit of Nonaligned nations next week.
"This doesn't mean that every activity will be immediately accompanied by video or photographic images, although news will be provided of every one," the statement said.
"All of us must understand that it is not convenient to systematically offer information, nor give out images of my health situation," Castro added. "All of us must also understand realistically that the complete recovery time, whether we like it or not, will be prolonged.
Castro announced on July 31 that he had undergone an emergency intestinal operation and was temporarily ceding his powers as head of the government and the Communist Party to his 75-year-old brother, Raul, the defense minister.
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