U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has delivered a message of democratic change to the Cuban people, while the island's communist government said Fidel Castro was in good health and his brother in firm control. "All Cubans who desire peaceful democratic change can count on the support of the United States," Rice said. "We encourage the Cuban people to work at home for positive change, and we stand ready to provide you with humanitarian assistance as you begin to chart a new course for your country." | “We encourage the Cuban people to work at home for positive change, and we stand ready to provide you with humanitarian assistance as you begin to chart a new course for your country...” |
Meanwhile, the Cuban health minister said Friday that Castro was "recovering satisfactorily" after surgery for intestinal bleeding, AP reported. The Communist Party newspaper Granma claimed Cuba's government is stable, and that the "unity and strength of the Revolution is being reinforced. We Cubans are prepared for the defense ... and Raul is there firmly at the helm of the nation, of the Revolutionary Armed Forces." U.S. President George Bush earlier hoped Cuba's apparent political uncertainty would lead to democratic change, but Granma dismissed his statement. "What uncertainty is the president talking about?" the newspaper asked.