Fidel Castro has not been seen in public since his operation in JulyFidel Castro announces retirement
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
BBC News
Cuba's ailing leader Fidel Castro has announced he will not return to the presidency, in a letter published by official Communist Party paper, Granma.
"I neither will aspire to, nor will I accept, the position of president of the council of state and commander in chief," he wrote in the letter.
Mr Castro handed over power temporarily to his brother, Raul, in July 2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery.
The 81-year-old has ruled Cuba since leading a communist revolution in 1959.
In December, Mr Castro indicated that he could possibly step down in favour of a younger generation.
In the letter published on Granma's website during the middle of the night in Cuba, Mr Castro said he would not accept another term as president because of the health problems when the National Assembly meets on Sunday.
"I just want to carry on fighting like a soldier for our ideas."
The National Assembly is widely expected to elect Raul Castro as his successor.
The BBC's Michael Voss in Havana says nobody knows whether the decision has been prompted by a decline in Mr Castro's health - it has been an official secret since the moment he was taken ill.
The president has not been seen in public for 18 months, although the government occasionally releases photographs and pre-edited video of him meeting visiting leaders from around the world, our correspondent says.
Last month, Mr Castro was shown talking to his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
"I neither will aspire to, nor will I accept, the position of president of the council of state and commander in chief," he wrote in the letter.
Mr Castro handed over power temporarily to his brother, Raul, in July 2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery.
The 81-year-old has ruled Cuba since leading a communist revolution in 1959.
In December, Mr Castro indicated that he could possibly step down in favour of a younger generation.
In the letter published on Granma's website during the middle of the night in Cuba, Mr Castro said he would not accept another term as president because of the health problems when the National Assembly meets on Sunday.
-----------"The moment has arrived to propose and elect the Council of State, its president, vice-president," he added.
FIDEL CASTRO-----------
- Born in 1926 to a wealthy, landowning family
- Took up arms in 1953, six years before coming to power
- Brother Raul was deputy and Che Guevara third in command
- Has outlasted nine American presidents
- Target of many CIA assassination plots
- Daughter is a dissident exile in Miami
"I just want to carry on fighting like a soldier for our ideas."
The National Assembly is widely expected to elect Raul Castro as his successor.
The BBC's Michael Voss in Havana says nobody knows whether the decision has been prompted by a decline in Mr Castro's health - it has been an official secret since the moment he was taken ill.
The president has not been seen in public for 18 months, although the government occasionally releases photographs and pre-edited video of him meeting visiting leaders from around the world, our correspondent says.
Last month, Mr Castro was shown talking to his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
8 comments:
BREAKING NEWS
Tuesday 19, February 2008
Phnom Penh (AP) -- The prime minister of Cambodia has been repeatedly raped by female monkeys on the outskirt of Phnom Penh, Cambodia while attempted to penetrate his tiny prick into his female aide, according to confidential source.
Bun Rany refused to comment on the recent incident.
CASTRO IS A LAUGHING MATTER FOR SOMEONE WHO MAY THINK IT IS AN EXMAPLE FOR OTHER ASIAN LEADERS.
LET CHOOSE HUN SEN'S CASE. HE IS NOW UPPER 50s OR 60, STILL HAVING FULL ENERGY, PRESUMABLY GOOD HEALTH (EXCEPT COLD AND FLU SOME TIMES OR GET KILLED PREMATURELY) AND HIGH ENTHUSIASTIC. IF TO COMPARE TO FIDEL CASTRO'S LENGTH OF HEALTH AND AGE, HUN SEN WILL BE ABLE RULE CAMBODIA FOR 15-20 YEARS.
This Castro dude is crazy. Let him die. He almost die. Cuba will be freed.
nobody can live forever on this planet. get a life, castro!
How do you know that Cuba will be freed, if Castro died?
What about his brother?
Also, I'm certain that Castro had already prepared his brother to succeed him. Therefore, unpon the demise of Castro, his brother could grab a few Chinese and Russian advisors, he then be golden then he ever be (perhaps more powerful than his brother).
nah, I wouldn't think so. Cuba is heading toward democracy. Under commie nothing is prosperous. Unless they are having a free market.
Ok! Hun Sen plane to be in power till he would be 90!
He the longest and oldest one in power! Concratulation Mr. PHD!
Fidel Castro is my role model! It is amazing to me that after all these years of smoking Cuban cigar and he was able to last this long!
I guess it is healthier to smoke cigar than to smoke cigarette? ahhahhahhahh
Post a Comment