Castro says health stable after surgery

Fidel Castro said Tuesday that he was in good spirits after surgery, according to a statement read on state television, as the Communist government tried to impose a sense of normalcy on the island's first day in 47 years without the bearded comandante in charge. Castro, who temporarily handed power to his younger brother Raul on Monday night after undergoing intestinal surgery, indicated the operation was serious when he said: "I can not make up positive news." But he said his health was "stable," and "as for my spirits, I feel perfectly fine," according to the statement read by moderator Randy Alonso on a daily public affairs program. He said it would take some time for doctors "to provide a verdict" on his recovery. Castro apologized for not giving more details, but said the threat posed to his government by the United States means his health must be treated as "a state secret."