Newsmakers

Images of Chavez shown to quell health rumors

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-29 13:53

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro (L) and Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez speak in Havana, in this handout picture taken June 28, 2011. The disappearance of the 56-year-old Chavez from public view since a June 10 operation has convulsed the volatile and politically polarized South American OPEC member nation of 29 million people. The woman seated near Chavez is his daughter Maria Gabriela. Picture taken June 28.[Photo/Agencies]

HAVANA - Cuban state TV on Tuesday night showed pictures of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro chatting with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who was recovering from a surgery in Havana. Castro had a "fraternal" meeting Tuesday morning with Chavez and his family members, and they "recalled moments of previous meetings," the official NNTV said.

The two leaders, both in sport suits, talked in a living room, and walked outside in an open area, according to the pictures aired by the state TV. This is the first public appearance since Chavez reportedly underwent a surgery on pelvic abscess in Havana on June 10.

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro (L) and Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez read a copy of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) newspaper "Granma" in Havana June 28, 2011, in this handout picture. The disappearance of 56-year-old Chavez from public view since a June 10 operation has convulsed the volatile and politically polarized South American OPEC member nation of 29 million people.[Photo/Agencies]

The Cuban media reported on June 18 that Cuban leader Raul Castro and his brother Fidel visited convalescing Chavez, and discussed bilateral and international issues. Chavez, who arrived in Havana on June 8 after visiting Brazil and Ecuador, has been keeping in contact with his cabinet members and instructed them on various state issues. Venezuela is Cuba's main political and economic ally.

The two nations have signed many economic agreements.