MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chavez Sunday visit resuscitates Fidel and Raul Castro

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez latest visit to Cuba on Sunday marked a double political event: pictures of Fidel allegedly recovering in hospital and the first public presence of Raul Castro, the leader's brother who has been running the country since July 31.

Cuban president Fidel Castro was visited in hospital by his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez with whom "he chatted, laughed, had pictures taken, shared a frugal meal and the joy of a most affectionate friendship", reports Monday the Cuban press.

"This is one of the most emotive visits I've done in my life", said President Chavez according to the headline of an official web portal "Cubadebate" which publishes a picture of both leaders holding hands, but with Fidel all the time in his convalescence hospital bed.

"What an extraordinary human being; what's he made off?" is quoted Chavez in direct reference to the alleged quick and strong recovery of Cuba's Castro.

The online edition of the official Communist Party Central Committee publication, "Granma" published eight pictures of the "three hours long" meeting of the two leaders. Chavez arrived in Havana Sunday evening to congratulate President Castro on his 80th birthday.

It was also a double political event since Chavez was received in the airport by the brother of Fidel, Raul Castro, his first public appearance since taking over power last July 31 from the Cuban leader who had to undergo urgent surgery for intestinal bleeding.

Actually one of "Granma's" pictures shows Raul Castro next to Chavez and Fidel in the hospital ward.

According to "Cubadebate" Fidel waited for Chavez in his hospital bed, "where he's recovering from the surgical operation he underwent two weeks ago because of an intestinal hemorrhage".

Chavez presented Fidel Castro with a china cup "belonging to Napoleon and which Simon Bolivar (Venezuela's national hero) cherished and the Great Liberator's dagger", plus a painting from the renowned Venezuelan painter, Jose Antonio Quintero, according to Cuban reports.

"It was an unforgettable afternoon, shared by brothers of blood and cause, which brought strength and encouragement to the war Commander of a thousand battles engaged in a new victory for life", concludes the official report.

"Granma's" pictures under the title "Three hours of emotive exchange" shows Chavez and Fidel chatting, eating, taking notes of the conversation, both dressed in red shirts".