éirígí: For A Socialist Republic

The first photographs of Fidel Castro since he was taken ill two weeks ago have been published in Cuba's Communist Youth newspaper on his 80th birthday.

Accompaning the photos in the Juventud Rebelde newspaper was a statement attributed to the Cuban president that said: "I feel very happy. For all those who care about my health, I promise to fight for it.

Although Castro was pictured in apparently good health, the road to recovery is not yet over.

The statement said: "To say that the objective stability has considerably improved is not making up a lie.

"To affirm that the recovery period will take a short time and that there is no risk would be absolutely incorrect."

However, the leader urged his public to be optimistic and be ready to face any adverse news.

"To the people of Cuba, infinite gratitude for your loving support. The country is marching on and will continue marching on perfectly well," the statement said.

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