Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage says he remains optimistic about the recovery of ailing President Fidel Castro, who temporarily stepped aside in July following intestinal surgery.
Lage made the comments on state television Tuesday, saying Mr. Castro continues to recover and that his health is improving. But he did not say whether Mr. Castro will be well enough to attend upcoming festivities belatedly marking his birthday.
The Cuban leader turned 80 in August, but the festivities were postponed to allow him time to recover. The official Granma newspaper says the events will begin on November 28 and last through early December.
Mr. Castro temporarily handed power to his younger brother, Defense Minister Raul Castro, due to the operation. The Cuban leader has appeared only in news videos and photographs since then. Details of his health remain a state secret.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
