Venezuela's ambassador to Cuba says President Fidel Castro is eating again and his health has significantly improved since intestinal surgery last year.
Ali Rodriguez Araque told Venezuelan state television Thursday that the Cuban leader could not eat for a period following his surgery. But, Rodriguez Araque says now that Mr. Castro is eating again, he is improving.
Last month, Cuba's state television broadcast images of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez meeting with Mr. Castro in Havana. It was the first image released of the Cuban president in three months.
The Cuban government treats the 80-year-old leader's health as a state secret.
After his surgery in late July, Mr. Castro temporarily handed power over to his younger brother, Defense Minister Raul Castro.