Venezuelan president says Castro recovering, mentally sharp
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Saturday that Cuban leader Fidel Castro is recovering and mentally sharp.

Chavez was responding to rumors that Castro has lost his mental sharpness after an intestinal surgery.

Speaking during a government event in western Zulia state, Chavez said "I received a letter (and) I want to make it public before the world because some say that Fidel is dying, that he is a vegetable, no."

The president said Castro could be preparing to return to power. But he did not give details.

Castro, 80, underwent the intestinal surgery on July 31 and temporarily ceded power to Defense Minister Raul Castro.