Castro 'improving after periods of not ingesting food'

Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s health has improved following a post-intestinal surgery period in which the ageing revolutionary icon temporarily stopped eating, Venezuela’s ambassador to Cuba said today.

Ali Rodriguez Araque said Cuban officials observing Castro have seen “a significant improvement in his health, even his appearance,” which was clear from footage of a recent meeting between Castro and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez – one of the Cuban leader’s closest allies.