Castro optimistic on chances of recovery

Ailing leader Fidel Castro saluted Cubans on the eve of the revolution’s 48th anniversary, thanking them for their support during his illness and telling them he had not lost his battle to recover.

“I am grateful to you for your affection and support,” said the message from Castro, 80, read by a newscaster on state television and radio.

“Regarding my recovery, I have always warned that it could be a prolonged process, but it is far from being a lost battle. I collaborate as a disciplined patient, attended by the consecrated team of our doctors.”