"Chavez says Castro fighting for life"

[originalpckelly]

"CARACAS, Venezuela - President Hugo Chavez said Thursday his close friend and ally
Fidel Castro is in a "great battle for life," but he also expressed optimism about the 79-year-old Cuban leader's recovery.

"From here, let's pray to God for Fidel and his recovery, and he's fighting a great battle," Chavez said in a televised speech from the eastern state of Anzoategui.

His statement was the most dire yet from a close Castro ally in describing the 79-year-old Cuban leader's condition.

Chavez said he had received a message from Castro on Wednesday "that filled me with more optimism, with more faith.""

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060810/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/venezuela_castro