HAVANA, April 29 (UPI) -- After nine months of grave illness, Cuban President Fidel Castro is making a comeback, much to the dismay of would-be reformers.
The Los Angeles Times reported Castro is receiving visitors and official delegations. Castro's communist Cuba, which U.S. President Bush has called a "cruel dictatorship," was looking closer to being on its way to reform last fall when Castro fell ill with an intestinal infection. His recovery has delivered a blow to those who were hoping for more economic openness in the country.
Castro is now believed to be blocking moves that would give Cubans the ability to open small businesses.
Raul Castro, the president's younger brother who took over last summer, allowed media reports of rampant corruption, and he criticized shortages of food, transportation and housing. His actions hinted at an internal review of the elder Castro's administration.
