Hope springs eternal

Fidel Castro telephoned a meeting of provincial legislative leaders, the Communist Party daily said Saturday in a report apparently aimed at quelling rumors about the ailing Cuban leader's health.

Chavez said in Caracas on Friday that Castro, a close friend and political ally, called him the same day to congratulate him on his re- election victory earlier this month.

It is also rumored that in order to ensure uninterrupted telephone service, a trained medium is placed near Fidel's bed 24 hours a day.

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