Yesterday, we posted a news about the doubt that Fidel Castro must be having stomach cancer.

FIDEL Castro was recuperating well after surgery and does not have cancer, according to Carlos Lage, the Cuban vice-president, in the government’s most detailed comments on his condition since the president was forced to temporarily hand over power to his brother.

Havana has provided no details and released no pictures of the Cuban president - fuelling speculation around the world about his condition.

On Monday, it was announced that Mr Castro, who will be 80 on Saturday, had undergone surgery for intestinal bleeding. He temporarily handed over power to his brother Raul, the defence minister, who has not been seen in public since.

Cubans were told on Tuesday in a statement attributed to the president that most details of his health would be kept “a state secret” to prevent the island’s enemies from taking advantage of his condition.

“He is coming along well. He does not have stomach cancer,” Mr Lage said.

“He has been made well by the operation and is recuperating favourably.”

Meanwhile, Elian Gonzalez, the Cuban boy at the centre of an international custody battle with family members in Miami six years ago, joined the list of people wishing Mr Castro a swift recovery.

“We send you this letter to let you know that we are worried about your health,” Elian, now 12, wrote in a letter signed with “little kisses” from him and his half-siblings and cousins.

Cuban military reservists are under orders to report every day at military posts amid heightened security.

Dissidents said the military was telling people in eastern provinces that they could use force against those criticising the government.