Castro speaks on Venezuelan radio show
Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who has been recovering from stomach surgery in July last year, talked on a live Venezuelan radio show with President Hugo Chavez on Tuesday.

"We are greatly surprised," said Chavez, hearing the voice of the Cuban leader, who has delegated power to Defense Minister Raul Castro since the operation.

Castro began the conversation by saying "Hello there, illustrious and dear friend, how are you?"

Chavez replied: "What joy hearing your voice, and knowing you are well, give us." Castro said he had been listening to the Chavez show, "Alo Presidente".

On Jan. 30, Castro appeared on his country's state television for the first time in three months.

The 80-year-old leader, who was shown standing and chatting with Venezuelan President Chavez in Havana, looked stronger than previous images since he underwent an intestinal operation last July.