Is Castro coming back?

last updated 8 January 2015

Havana

Defying rumors about his failing health, Cuban President Fidel Castro last week resumed some of his official duties and met with a delegation from China. Photographs in Granma, the government-run newspaper, show a smiling Castro shaking hands with Chinese Politburo member Wu Guanzheng and taking notes during his meeting with the Chinese officials. Castro’s medical condition remains a Cuban state secret, but some press reports suggest he is not suffering from stomach cancer, as U.S. intelligence sources had theorized. A Spanish physician who examined Castro last year said he was suffering from diverticulitis, an inflammation of the bowel, which was corrected by surgery. Speculation is growing that Castro may make a major public appearance during Cuba’s upcoming May Day ceremonies.