Cuban FM Felipe Perez Roque has announced that President Fidel Castro is very well and still recovering from his operation last year.

"Fidel is doing very well and is disciplined in his recovery process," Perez Roque told reporters in Brasilia.

Cuban officials have refused to release details of Castro's condition, saying the health of the 81-year-old leader is a state secret.

Perez Roque said, however, that Castro maintains "permanent" contact with members of the government party in Cuba.

Fidel Castro has appeared on video meeting with international officials, and editorials in his name have appeared in state-run media. His articles have dealt with a variety of issues, including biofuels and what he considers to be American imperialism.

Power has temporarily been transferred to Castro's brother, Raul, following Fidel Castro's surgery in July 2006.

MMN/HAR