Fidel Castro says he's feeling well

HAVANA, March 14 (UPI) -- Cuban leader Fidel Castro claims he is feeling much better, months after undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, Granma newspaper reported Wednesday.

The 80-year-old Castro reportedly told Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Haitian President Rene Preval in a phone conversation that his condition was improving. Chavez was in Haiti earlier this week during a tour of the region.

Though Castro has not been seen publicly since falling ill in late July, he has had several visits from his close ally Chavez, who also claims the Cuban leader's health is improving.

After announcing he was suffering from an undetermined intestinal illness, Castro named his brother Raul Castro the interim leader of the communist island.