| Cuban leader Fidel Castro is reported to be | | | | physical and intellectual shape, and wanted |
| in very serious condition after a series of | | | | to return to work. |
| three failed operations and complications | | | | |
| from an intestinal infection. | | | | But El Pais cited sources at the surgeon's |
| | | | hospital - Gregorio Maranon - as saying the |
| The Spanish newspaper El Pais reported on its | | | | infections have left Mr. Castro with a very |
| Web site Monday that Mr. Castro suffers from | | | | grave prognosis. |
| a serious infection that has worsened to | | | | |
| peritonitis. | | | | The 80-year-old Cuban leader underwent an |
| | | | operation at the end of July, and has not |
| The condition is a painful and potentially | | | | been seen in public since. |
| fatal inflammation of the lining of the | | | | |
| abdominal cavity often caused by infection in | | | | The newspaper report has not been confirmed. |
| an organ. | | | | The Cuban government says Mr. Castro's health |
| | | | is a state secret. |
| Spanish surgeon Jose Luis Garcia Sabrido, who | | | | |
| examined Mr. Castro last month, told | | | | Some information for this report provided by |
| reporters the Cuban leader was in good | | | | AP, AFP and Reuters. |