Cuba Prez Castro near death: US intelligence chief

Washington, Dec 15: Cuban President Fidel Castro is very ill and close to death, US Intelligence chief John Negroponte said in an interview published today.

''Everything we see indicates it will not be much longer ...

months, not years,'' Negroponte told The Washington Post.

The Cuban leader, 80, has not appeared in public since he underwent emergency intestinal surgery and temporarily handed over the presidency to his younger brother, Raul Castro, on July 31.

Castro has been in power since 1959.

A delegation of 10 US lawmakers who favour easing sanctions against Communist-run Cuba was due to arrive in Havana today for a three-day visit.

The delegation has asked to meet with the acting president who has said he is open to talks with Washington.

Reuters