In a written statement purportedly from Fidel Castro that was read on state television Tuesday, the Cuban dictator said that his health was “stable” after surgery. The statement, indicating the severity of the intestinal surgery Castro underwent on Monday, stated “I can not make up positive news.”

Fidel Castro with his brother Raul (left) in June 2001. Photograph: Reuters

The statement went on to say that his health was “stable,” and “as for my spirits, I feel perfectly fine.” The statement, which sounded more like a hospital update bulletin than a personal note, was read by presenter Randy Alonso on a daily public affairs program.

The statement went on to say that Castro expressed his gratitude for the good wishes he received from leaders and supporters around the world, and called on Cubans to remain calm and maintain their daily routines.

“The country is prepared for its defense,” he said in the statement. “Everyone needs to struggle, and work.”

The real question, of course, is whether or not this second statement was actually written or dictated by Fidel Castro.

No details have been given on where or when the Cuban dictator’s surgery took place. No photos or video of him have been shown. No indication has been given of how successful the surgery was — if indeed it was successful. No prognosis has been given.

The situation is remarkably similar to what occurred in the former Soviet Union when an upper echelon leader died suddenly and without warning and the official word was that they were “convalescing at the Black Sea.” Similar enough, in fact, to keep the rumors of Castro’s death alive.

More from Miami and Cuba below the fold.

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Fidel Castro has temporarily relinquished the presidency of Cuba to his younger brother and chosen successor Raul because of a sudden health crisis. It is the first time since he came to power in 1959 that the Cuban dictator has given up power.

The surprise move was announced live on television by his secretary, Carlos Valenciaga, who read a letter purportedly written by Castro to explain the crisis. “The operation obligates me to undertake several weeks of rest,” said the letter. Extreme stress from recent public appearances in Argentina and Cuba “had provoked in me a sharp intestinal crisis with sustained bleeding that obligated me to undergo a complicated surgical procedure.”

The relinquishment of power was said to be temporary, and of “a provisional character.” There was no immediate appearance or statement by Raul Castro.

Celebration and hope in Miami’s Little Havana at news of Fidel Castro’s illness

Cubans exiles took to the streets in Miami’s Little Havana district Monday night after news spread of Castro’s sudden illness. In the wake of the statement concerning Raul’s “temporary” succession, one question is running through the exile community in the United States.

Is Fidel Castro already dead?

The story continues below the fold with details from the Associated Press, the Miami Herald, Reuters and other sources.

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From Pablo Bachelet at the Miami Herald, Reuters and other sources:

A report prepared for President Bush by the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba — a commission that he created in 2003 — recommends that the U.S. move quickly within weeks of Fidel Castro’s death to support a transitional government in Cuba and move the country toward democracy.

The commission is an interagency group co-chaired by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, who is a Cuban-American. The report summarizes the work of more than 100 officials from 17 United States government departments and agencies.

A leaked draft of the commission’s report also recommends a major diplomatic effort to offset the ‘’Venezuela-Cuba axis'’ and identifies President Hugo Chávez as a key player whose oil wealth could help extend the communist system after Castro’s death. It also recommends creating an 80 million dollar fund to promote opposition to Castro and tightening economic sanctions on the island nation.

The recommendations must be approved by President Bush, although he approved virtually all of the items on the commission’s first report in May of 2004. That led to tighter restrictions on travel to Cuba, especially by Cuban exiles.

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