RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan 20: Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro is fighting for his life, his friend and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said. “He's back in Sierra Maestra and locked in a battle for his life,” said Chavez, referring to Castro's legendary guerilla war that toppled Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959.

“There are those who want Fidel to die,” Mr Chavez said alluding to a recent Spanish press report that Castro, 80, was gravely ill following three failed operations.

“But I spoke to him a few days ago ... We trust he will recover completely,” Chavez told the Rio de Janeiro state legislature.

Mr Chavez has visited Castro and often speaks to him by telephone.

There has been mounting speculation over the condition of Castro, who has not been seen in public since being taken ill in late July.

Last week, a US intelligence chief said Castro was terminally ill and might have only days to live.—AFP