In Cuba, President Fidel Castro released a statement Tuesday assuring Cubans his condition is “stable.” A government spokesperson read out Castro’s remarks.

• Cuban government spokesperson: “I would not make up good news because it would not be ethical and if the news was bad, the only one who would benefit would be the enemy. In Cuba’s specific situation because of the plans of the empire (the United States), my health becomes a state secret which cannot be divulged carelessly and our compatriots should understand this. I cannot fall in the vicious circle of fulfilling health parameters that change constantly. I can say that I am in a stable medical condition but recovery takes time.”

Meanwhile in Miami, hundreds of Cuban-Americans took the streets Tuesday to celebrate the news of Castro’s poor health. Miami is home to around 650,000 Cuban exiles. In Havana, thousands of people took part in rallies honoring Castro.

• Havana resident Pedro Torres: “We Cubans are here for no other reason than to support Fidel. We are the right arm, he is the left. We are the body of him, the soul of him is us. We are going forward. We are prepared for anything, for whatever he tells us.”