Havana, April 26 (RHC) -- The leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, is in good health and working hard, although he is “dismayed” over the recent death of his close friend, Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
 
First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel told reporters after signing the condolence book at the Colombian embassy on the death of Garcia Marquez: "His health is fine.  He is working hard on the things that he has paid attention to and of course he is very dismayed about the death of Garcia Marquez, who was his close friend.”
 
Fidel Castro maintained a personal friendship for decades with the Nobel laureate, author of "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and a faithful admirer of Cuba and its Revolution.  Fidel has not made any public statements on the death of his friend, but sent a wreath to the famous writer's memorial service held in Mexico City.
 
Last week, Cuban President Raul Castro sent a message of condolences to Mercedes, the widow of Garcia Marquez, saying that Cuba has lost "a great intimate and supportive friend," and describing his works as "immortal."