New Castro broadcast gives supporters hope

Fidel Castro's surprise call to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's radio talk show has fuelled expectations that he could recover enough to reappear in public.

Castro loyalists in Havana were delighted to hear the first live broadcast comments the 80-year-old has made since intestinal surgery in late July.

"The tone of his voice is perfect," said a 46-year-old computer worker who identified herself as Santa Elena, saying she thought Castro would make a public appearance at "any moment".

A 50-year-old refuse collector named Cebeno said Castro's live conversation with Chavez "confirms that he is well" and that "he will appear again".

Even if Castro recovers enough to return to public life, it is unclear if he will be able to resume the presidency, or even if wants to.

Cuba has remained calm and functioned normally in the seven months since the man who ruled the island for 47 years temporarily ceded power his 75-year-old brother Raul Castro, the defence minister.

"I ask everyone for patience, calm … the country is marching along, which is what is important," the elder Castro said during the call. "And I ask for tranquillity also for me so that I can fulfil my new tasks."

Castro's half-hour exchange with his friend Chavez on Venezuelan radio last night indicated that Cuban authorities now feel confident enough about his condition for him to speak in an uncontrolled setting.

Previously, only pre-recorded video images of Castro, including several in which he spoke, have been released by the Cuban government in an apparent attempt to quell speculation that he was gravely ill.

Castro looked considerably stronger and healthier in the last ones, aired on Cuban television on January 30.

Castro's full exchange with Chavez was retransmitted on Cuba's official channels last night and the entire transcript of their dialogue was printed today in the Communist Party daily Granma.

Castro spoke slowly and he appeared to catch on a few words, but was in good spirits, telling Chavez he was enjoying his rest.

"I'm gaining ground. I feel more energetic, stronger and have more time to study," he told Chavez over the phone.

"You don't know how happy we are to hear your voice and know that you're well," Chavez said.

Cuba's communist government has kept Castro's condition and exact ailment secret, prompting speculation about his health.

Cuban officials denied earlier US government reports that he suffered from cancer. A Spanish newspaper reported in January that he had diverticular disease - a weakening of the walls of the colon.

In Miami, Alfredo Mesa, spokesman for the Cuban American National Foundation, encouraged people to look beyond the details of Castro's illness.

"We need to stop worrying about Fidel Castro's health and focus more on the people in positions of power today that can bring about change for the Cuban people," Mesa said. "It's no longer about Fidel Castro."