Rome, Italy (AHN) -- Italy's parliament speaker is being criticized for sending a birthday card that gushes over Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Fausto Bertinotti, a veteran communist, says in the letter to 80-year-old Castro, "Long live the Dear Comandante."

Castro has been recovering from stomach surgery he underwent two weeks ago. He has temporarily handed power over to his brother Raul.

In the letter, Bertinotti referred to the mountains where Castro launched Cuba's revolutionary war in December 1956.

He writes, "None of the disagreements we have loyally expressed can take away the hope and the emotions that the men and the women of the Sierra Maestra sparked in our generation."

He adds, "Later Cuba...incarnated, together with you, the pride of a people and an island that wants to live its independence and decide autonomously about its future in a world of peace. Good luck to you and your people."

Bertinotti, 66, is leader of the Communist Refoundation party. He was appointed speaker of the lower house in April.

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