From the NewsMax.com Staff

For the story behind the story...

Hugo Chavez: Fidel Castro Leaves Havana at Night

Reprint Information

Book on Katie Couric Makes Waves White House: We're Not Subject to FOIA FBI Seeks 2 Mysterious Men on Ferry Publisher: Conservatives Do Read As Much As Liberals Romney Shrugs Off Mormon History Film

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Friday that Cuban leader Fidel Castro was walking about and making nocturnal trips outside Havana, countering rumors the ailing 80-year-old was dead.

Castro has long acted as a mentor to Chavez and the Venezuelan president promised he would soon make one of his frequent visits to the Communist island.

"He is walking about and goes out at night to visit the countryside, villages and towns," Chavez told cocoa workers east of Caracas.

Latin American media simmered with speculation that Castro died at the weekend, conjecturing Chavez had canceled appointments last Saturday to say farewell.

After 47 years in office, Castro temporarily ceded power in July to his brother Raul owing to health problems that required abdominal surgery.

(c) Reuters 2006. All rights reserved.

Editor's note:
Blacks, Hispanics are joining the GOP as never before! Meet the "New Republicans" – Click Here Now
David Limbaugh’s "Bankrupt" – FREE Offer – Click Here
Bill O`Reilly`s `Culture Warrior` Just $4.99! Click Here
We Want You Back Big Time!
Beat the S&P by 287% - Go Here Now
Saudi Oil Minister: Oil Prices Could "Plummet"

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:

Castro/Cuba
Chavez/Venezuela

Inside Cover Stories
FBI Seeks 2 Mysterious Men on Ferry

Publisher: Conservatives Do Read As Much As Liberals

Romney Shrugs Off Mormon History Film

Bob Grant to Return to Radio

Carville Seeks Perfect '08 Bumper Sticker More Inside Cover Stories