Castro walking and being briefed - official daily

HAVANA, Aug 12 (Reuters) Cuban President Fidel Castro is walking, talking and being briefed, according to a cryptic statement published today in the Communist Party daily, Granma, a day before the ''Maximum Leader's'' 80th birthday.

''Someone who visited the comandante a few hours ago to brief him on certain matters ... said he witnessed how the head of the revolution, after receiving a little physical therapy, walked in the room and later, sitting in a chair, engaged in an animated conversation,'' Granma said.

Castro has not been seen publicly since he temporarily ceded power to his younger brother on July 31 because of complicated abdominal surgery. His last public appearance was on July 26.

His health is being treated as a state secret and there has been no information as to where he is being treated, who is visiting him or any detail on his health.

''Our friend saw the comandante up and about, like someone anticipating new victories,'' Granma said.

REUTERS AB RN1912