Cuban-Americans keep close eye on ailing Castro

August 1, 2006 (Last Updated: 4:45 PM) (WLS) -- Cuban leader Fidel Castro is ailing, but his government claims he is "very far away" from death. He temporarily turned over the powers of his presidency to his brother Raul. Castro is reportedly recovering from intestinal surgery to stop internal bleeding.

News of his condition triggered celebrations on the streets of Miami. ABC7 has an exclusive interview with the last Illinois politician to meet Castro face-to-face in Cuba, former governor George Ryan.

George Ryan earned quite a few enemies back in 1999 when led a delegation of business leaders to Cuba. It was a controversial trip by a controversial governor. But it did give Ryan unique insight into his fellow politician.

That part of the story in a moment, but we begin with reaction from Chicago's Cuban-American community.

"I actually got the chills, literally I got the chills," said Javier Fernandez, Jr., a Cuban-American in Chicago.

Fernandez and his family fled Cuba when he was just 5 years old. Today, Fernandez owns Cafe Cubano in Elmwood Park, where the hot topic on this hot day is a dictator named Castro and his decision to at least temporarily step aside.

"Complete shock. First of all, it's the first time in more than 46 years that power is relinquished -- especially to the brother, which is no better -- but it's at least something, the beginning of change," said Rosana Barrios, Cuban-American.

Celebrations erupted in Miami's Cuban community -- where many hope a new day will soon dawn in Cuba.

In 1999, former Illinois Governor George Ryan mounted a mission to the island nation hoping to open the lines of communication and trade. He met with Castro. The two talked about everything from Illinois corn to Castro's quest for a healthy lifestyle, including his preference for goat milk. Tuesday, the former governor said the US should develop a relationship with Fidel's brother.

"Now may be the time to drop that embargo and to negotiate with Raul. They tell me he's a got a little different attitude and mentality than Fidel and it may be time for some diplomacy," Ryan told ABC7 via telephone.

Political consultant Charles Serrano coordinated Governor Ryan's trip to Cuba. He too believes the embargo has not worked and the US should seize any opportunity to thaw its relationship with a relic of the Cold War.

"Fidel is the enemy conceptually for the American people. If he is not there, it gives us an excuse to actually move into a different level. I think what Raul represents is an option. It's not Fidel, it's Raul," said Serrano.

Fidel Castro turns 80 later this month. He is five years older than former governor Ryan.

But those who were on the Cuba trip remember Castro outdoing them all. A cocktail hour hosted by Castro turned into an all-night affair. His speeches and stamina are the stuff of legend. Those ABC7 talked with Tuesday guess Castro's health must be far worse than the government is willing to say, otherwise they don't believe he would have given up power.

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