Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says he plans to visit his close friend and ally Fidel Castro in Cuba on Monday.
President
Chavez made the announcement during his regular Sunday television and
radio programs. The reason for his visit is not known.
Mr.
Chavez last met with the former Cuban leader in March. That visit took
place shortly after Mr. Castro turned over power to his younger
brother, Raul, after nearly 50 years.
Fidel Castro has not been
seen in public since July 2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery.
He has, however, appeared in videos and photographs, and articles
attributed to him have been published in the state-run media. Details
of his health are considered a state secret.
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