The brother of Cuban leader Fidel Castro says Mr. Castro's health is improving.
Interim Cuban President Raul Castro says his 81-year old brother is in full control of his mental faculties, and has been exercising regularly -- regaining weight and muscle mass.
President Fidel Castro temporarily handed over power to his brother Raul in July of 2006, after undergoing intestinal surgery.
Raul Castro spoke about his brother's health Monday while meeting with parliamentary candidates in the province of Santiago de Cuba. Mr. Castro said Fidel Castro still remains very involved in the country's political affairs.
Last week, state television read a letter from Fidel Castro in which he said he would not obstruct the rise of a new generation of leaders. It was the first suggestion from Mr. Castro that he might permanently step down from the presidency.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
