Cuban leader Fidel Castro told media on Tuesday that his health is stable after doctors operated on him due to persistent intestinal bleeding.

Through a public statement read out on Cuban television, Castro said his recovery would take time but for the moment, he remained stable.

"I can say the situation is stable, but a general recovery in health requires time," Castro said in the statement. "I am in good spirits, and the main thing is that everything is working perfectly well in the country and will remain doing so."

"This country is prepared to defend itself with the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the with its people," it added.

He said that everyone would soon be fully informed of his condition.

Castro, who turns 80 on Aug. 13, delegated power on Monday night to his younger brother Raul, who is the country's defense minister.

Source: Xinhua