MIAMI -- At Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana -- the center of celebrations when it appeared that Fidel Castro might be dying -- there was skepticism Sunday morning over whether newly released images of a healthy post-surgery Castro are real.

The images were published in the Communist Youth newspaper, Juventud Rebelde. They are the first photographs of the Cuban leader since illness forced him to step aside as president two weeks ago. Castro has reportedly said his health had improved but warned that risks remain.

In the photos appearing in the online edition of Juventud Rebelde, Castro wears a red and white Adidas track suit and looks a bit tired but is sitting up straight, with his eyes alert.

"I feel very happy," said a statement attributed to Castro in the Juventud Rebelde newspaper. "For all those who care about my health, I promise to fight for it."

One picture is a close shot of the leader posing with his fist under his chin and in two he is talking on the telephone.

The fourth photograph shows Castro sitting in a chair in front of a bed with a white spread in what appears to be a home, holding up a special supplement published as an homage to him on his 80th birthday in the Saturday edition of Granma, the Communist Party newspaper.

It was not possible to confirm the authenticity of the photographs, which were credited to Estudios Revolucion, a division of Castro's personal support group that collects historic documents and images.

Wishful thinkers gathered at Versailles were still clinging to the hope that the photos might have been digitally enhanced from other photos taken at an earlier time. One woman at the restaurant said that even after seeing the pictures, she still believes Casto is dead.

In his statement, Castro said his stability has "considerably improved" but added: "To affirm that the recovery period will take a short time and that there is no risk would be absolutely incorrect."

"I ask you all to be optimistic, and at the same time to be ready to face any adverse news," the statement read. "To the people of Cuba, infinite gratitude for your loving support. The country is marching on and will continue marching on perfectly well."

Those who question the images and the statement said that they still believe that the words are meant to pave the way for inevitable change Cuba -- whether Castro is currently alive and well or on his death bed.