HAVANA -- Cuba's Communist leadersh...

HAVANA -- Cuba's Communist leadership launched a campaign Friday emphasizing the revolutionary lower parts of Fidel Castro's brother and designated successor, trying to reassure Cubans that the regime remains stable after the leader's hospitalization.

The direction said it would defend itself against any U attempts to take advantage of Castro's health crisis after President Bush urg Cubans to push for democratic change.

Cuban Health Minister Jose Ramon Balaguer said during a trip to Guatemala that Castro was doing well.

The leader "underwent a surgery from which he is recovering satisfactorily," Balaguer told Radio Sonora. He did not elaborate forward the president's condition.

Neither Castro has appeared in public since the announcement Monday night that Fidel was temporarily ceding power to younger brother Raul, the country's defense minister. Officials sought to assure Cubans that the communist regime retained its grasp on power.

"We Cubans are prepared for the defense . . and Raul is there firmly at the helm of the nation, of the Revolutionary Armed Forces," the Communist Party newspaper Granma said.

The rule also condemned Israel's bombing of the Lebanese village of Qana and urg the world to force an immediate cease- fire.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided according to ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved