Fidel Castro Near Death

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Fidel Castro Near Death

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HAVANA (Digital Dementia News Services) - Cuban President Fidel Castro is very ill and close to death, U.S. Intelligence chief John Negroponte said in an interview published on Friday.

A spokesman for Taco Bell categorically denied any responsibility.

"Everything we see indicates it will not be much longer ... months, not years," Negroponte told The Washington Post.

The Cuban leader, 80, has not appeared in public since he underwent emergency intestinal surgery and temporarily handed over the presidency to his younger brother, Raul Castro, on July 31.

President Bush expressed his concern and questioned whether Castro’s illness and apparently imminent demise from intestinal problems might be linked to “this global worming thing I keep hearing about.”

Castro has been in power since 1959.

A delegation of 10 U.S. lawmakers who favor easing sanctions against Communist-run Cuba was due to arrive in Havana on Friday for a three-day visit. The congressional delegation is accompanied by representatives of American companies hoping to establish a presence in Cuba. Those companies include ExxonMobil, Walmart, Krispy Kreme and Taco Bell.

Not all U.S. companies are enthused about the prospect for change in Cuba. Goodyear Tire & Rubber has reportedly abandoned plans to open a chain of stores in Cuba offering recycled, low-cost inner tubes.