Chavez asks Castro to wear the uniform again
Published on Thursday, June 7, 2007 Email To Friend Print Version
CARACAS, Venezuela (AFP): Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday urged his idol Cuban President Fidel Castro to resume wearing his customary military uniform instead of the track suit he has sported since undergoing surgery last year.
“I believe the time has come to return to wearing the uniform,” Chavez, a staunch supporter and protege of Castro, told a press conference.
“We want you in uniform ... That’s an order,” he joked.
Since he underwent gastrointestinal surgery 10 months ago and handed over power temporarily to his brother Raul, Castro has given up his traditional olive-green military garb.
On Tuesday, the veteran leader of the Cuban revolution—who turns 81 in August—appeared in his first television interview since his operation wearing a red-white-and-blue track suit.
The leftist Venezuelan president cheered Castro’s television appearance.
“Fidel, I congratulate you for your interview on television. He spoke for four hours, almost a speech,” said Chavez, alluding to the Cuban leader’s habit of delivering long-winded talks lasting several hours.
The interview aired on television lasted a little less than an hour.
