Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Sunday that his Cuban counterpart, Fidel Castro, was already "getting out of bed" and on his way to a full recovery.
Speaking by telephone to Bolivian President Evo Morales during his regular Sunday television talk show "Hello President," Chavez said he had gotten new information about the ailing Cuba leader and that Castro was improving after his gastrointestinal operation announced last Monday.
"This morning I learned that he is very well, is already getting out of bed, is talking more than he should because he talks a lot. We sent our regards," Chavez said to Morales on the program.
Chavez said he was ready to visit his old friend, addressing Castro on the air.
"You're expecting my visit there so that we can drink a 'tsunami', an energy drink Fidel makes with soy milk, oatmeal and I don't know how many other things," Chavez added in his first broadcast in nearly two months.
His "Hello President" radio and TV broadcast were preempted first by the World Cup football championships, and then by two weeks of presidential travel.
Since his return to Venezuela Thursday, Chavez had avoided mentioning Cuba or Castro, feeding speculation that the Cuban leader was in much worse shape than authorities in Havana had let on.
Last Monday, Castro, 79, handed over power to his brother, Defense Minister Raul Castro, until he recovers from his operation, possibly in several weeks.
