The Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, could be back at work in a few weeks, according to the country's Vice President.

Castro stepped down a week ago after falling ill, temporarily delegating power to his brother Raul. The Vice President, Carlos Lage, says he's been in constant contact with Castro and that the President is in good health. In Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez, Castro's closest ally in Latin America, echoed the same sentiment, saying Castro was recovering quickly from a stomach operation. Castro has ruled Cuba for nearly half a century and is one of the world's longest standing leaders.