U.S.: Castro's health is deteriorating (AP)

[Eugene]

Posted on Sun, Nov. 12, 2006

U.S.: Castro's health is deteriorating
KATHERINE SHRADER
Associated Press

WASHINGTON - The government believes Fidel Castro's health is deteriorating and
that the Cuban dictator is unlikely to live through 2007.

That dire view was reinforced last week when Cuba's foreign minister backed away
from his prediction the ailing Castro would return to power by early December.
"It's a subject on which I don't want to speculate," Felipe Perez Roque told
The Associated Press in Havana.

U.S. government officials say there is still some mystery about Castro's diagnosis,
his treatment and how he is responding. But these officials believe the 80-year-old
leader has cancer of the stomach, colon or pancreas.

He was seen weakened and thinner in official state photos released late last month,
and it is considered unlikely that he will return to power or survive through the end
of next year, said the U.S. government and defense officials. They spoke on condition
of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the politically
sensitive topic.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/15994900.htm

[RB TexLa]

1. I'd put money on him not making it through June 07