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Jan 16, 2007 7:38 pm US/Eastern
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Cubans React To Castro's Health Situation
LITTLE HAVANA (CBS4) ―
Amidst all the rumors of Fidel Castro's failing health, South Floridians continue to wonder what the fate of their homeland will be.
According to several reports, the doctor who had treated Castro in December and claimed he was recovering is now denying that claim.
According to the Spanish newspaper "El País", Fidel Castro's health is in grave condition after undergoing three failed surgeries to treat diverticulitis. The major daily based out of Madrid cites information from sources at the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Spain, where Doctor José Luis García Sabrido works.
But Dr. Sabrido told CNN Wednesday that he has not spoken to the Spanish newspaper, and unless the information comes directly from Castro's own doctors, the information has "no foundation". He says he stands by his comments after seeing Castro in December that he does not suffer from cancer.
He said the leader is doing "fantastically well". Dr. Sabrido would not comment on his condition, only saying that Castro was not suffering from cancer.
In Castro's official biography, "La historia me absolverá" the leader declared he had been suffering from diverticulitis for 20 years. The book was published in 2001.
What is different about this instance is that it's a more severe case of the illness. Last summer Castro had reportedly been suffering from intestinal bleeding.
CBS4's
Yusila Ramirez spoke to some South Florida Cubans at Little Havana's Versailles Restaurant who are anxiously awaiting his death.
Cuban American, Dr. Gilbert Concepcion told CBS4, "I am delighted and the sooner he meets the demise, the better for the world and more importantly to the Cuban people that have suffered so much under his tyranny."
These are the same Cubans who were rejoicing last July when the news about the communist dictator's poor health and the temporary relinquishing of power to his younger brother, Raul led them to believe Castro's death was imminent.
"This is going to be a big thing."Alicia Forte told CBS4. "We only suspected he was dead and Calle Ocho went crazy and hopefully all Miamians will go crazy soon."
Ramirez said many of the Cubans are anticipating his death again especially after hearing the continuous news that his health is steadily deteriorating.
"This is going to be a day of chaos that day. We're going to be celebrating. Nobody is going to go to work. And Miami, 80% of the employees are Cuban," Caridad Mora told CBS4.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)