By Anthony Bond PUBLISHED: 12:02 EST, 19 October 2012 | UPDATED: 12:40 EST, 19 October 2012 Ill: The revolutionary Cuban leader Fidel Castro has suffered a massive stroke and has only weeks to live, a doctor has claimed The revolutionary Cuban leader Fidel Castro has suffered a massive stroke and has only weeks to live, a doctor has claimed. Jose Rafael Marquina said the 86-year-old was in a vegetative state and is 'moribund' at a house in western Havana. Despite this, a letter from Castro was published by state media denying he was on death's door. Relatives have also denied the claims.
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Venezuelan doctor Jose Rafael Marquina said the 86-year-old was in a vegetative state and is 'moribund' at a house in western Havana
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He also claims that Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had travelled suddenly to Havana to be with his friend and ally
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A letter from Castro has been published by state media denying he was on death's door and relatives have also denied the claims
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Castro has not been seen in public since he met Pope Benedict XVI in March
Hugo Chavez
Rumors that the former Cuban leader has died or is near death have circulated repeatedly for years, but they gained force after he failed to issue a public statement congratulating @placeholder on his October 7 election victory.