In Statement, Castro Thanks Cubans

Ailing leader Fidel Castro saluted Cubans on Saturday in a text released on the eve of the revolution's 48th anniversary, thanking them for their support during his illness and telling them he had not lost his battle to recover.

It was unclear how or when the message, sent to international media by government press officials, would be delivered to the Cuban people.

Castro traditionally sends a message broadcast by state television and radio to Cuban citizens every New Year's Eve to mark the anniversary of the Jan. 1, 1959 triumph of the revolution that brought him to power.

"I am grateful to you for your affection and support," read the message. "Regarding my recovery, I have always warned that it could be a prolonged process, but it is far from being a lost battle. I collaborate as a disciplined patient, attended by the consecrated team of our doctors.

"I have not stopped being in the loop on main events and information," he added. "I have had exchanges with our closest comrades always when cooperation has been necessary on vitally important issues."

Earlier Saturday, Cuba's Communist Party daily reported that Castro telephoned the Chinese ambassador in Havana to wish his president, Hu Jintao, a happy new year.

Castro's message to the Cuban people and the short story about his call to the Chinese ambassador seemed aimed at ensuring the world that the leader's recovery continues five months after he underwent emergency intestinal surgery.

Speculation about Castro's medical condition has been rife amid a lack of information from the communist government.

The last news in the state media about Castro was a story published Dec. 16 saying he had made separate telephone calls to Cuban lawmakers and his friend and ally Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Castro, 80, has not been seen in public since several days before he announced on July 31 that he was temporarily stepping aside after an operation for intestinal surgery. He has provisionally ceded his powers to his brother Raul, the 75-year-old defense minister.

Saturday's story said Castro called Chinese Ambassador Zhao Rongxian on Thursday evening, and that they discussed relations between their countries. The ambassador also transmitted his president's wishes for Castro's speedy recovery.

The island's official media has not commented on a Spanish surgeon's declarations earlier this week that Castro did not have cancer and was slowly recovering from a serious operation.

Jose Luis Garcia Sabrido, chief surgeon at Madrid's Gregorio Maranon Hospital, said he flew to Havana on Dec. 21 to see Castro and consult with the Cuban leader's medical team on how his treatment was progressing.

Castro's medical condition is a state secret, but Cuban authorities have denied he suffers from terminal cancer, as U.S. intelligence officials have claimed. Cuban officials have nonetheless stopped insisting Castro will return to power.

Garcia Sabrido said Castro could resume the presidency if his recovery is "absolute."

Some doctors believe Castro may suffer from diverticular disease, which can cause bleeding in the lower intestine, especially in people over 60. In severe cases, emergency surgery may be required.