Cuba publishes pictures of Castro and Chavez

HAVANA, Aug 14: Cuba's Communist Party newspaper Granma published photographs today of ailing Fidel Castro during a three-hour visit to his bedside by leftist ally Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

The gallery of pictures on Granma's Web site (http://www.granma.cubaweb.cu) show Chavez shaking Castro's hand on his 80th birthday yesterday, handing him presents, sharing a snack and writing notes together.

Also present in what appears to be a hospital room is Castro's younger brother Raul, who made his first public appearance today as acting president of Cuba when he greeted Chavez at Havana airport.

''It was a unforgettable afternoon, shared between brothers of the cause, that brought new strength and encouragement to the brave Comandante of a thousand battles who is seeking a new victory for life,'' Granma said.

For the first time in his 47-year rule, Castro handed over power temporarily to his brother July 31 after undergoing surgery to stop intestinal bleeding.

There were no new details on Castro's condition, which he said in a birthday message yesterday was stable but not beyond risk to his life.

REUTERS