Havana ? Cuban officials told a group of visiting U.S. lawmakers that Fidel Castro does not have cancer or a terminal illness in the most comprehensive denial yet of rampant rumors about the ailing leader’s health, members of a U.S. delegation said Sunday.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican, said Cuban officials did not provide further details on the 80-year-old leader’s health, but did say he will eventually return to public life.

“All the officials have told us that his illness is not cancer, nor is it terminal, and he will be back,” Flake told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.

Castro’s medical condition has been a secret since he underwent surgery for intestinal bleeding in July and temporarily ceded power to his younger brother, Raul Castro. He has not been seen publicly since July 26.

Cuban officials have repeatedly insisted the elder Castro is recovering, and Vice President Carlos Lage previously dismissed reports that the leader was suffering from stomach cancer. But officials have not publicly denied rumors that he could have another type of cancer or some other terminal illness.

U.S. officials have said they believe Castro suffers from some kind of inoperable cancer and will not live through the end of 2007. Some U.S. doctors have speculated he could have a colon condition called diverticulosis, which is relatively common among the elderly.

Castro failed to appear at his own delayed birthday celebrations earlier this month, prompting new speculation that he was on his deathbed.

Raul Castro has appeared increasingly confident in his new role, but officials told the visiting U.S. delegation that Fidel Castro will eventually be back at the helm.