This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/7007794.stm
The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
Castro seen in rare TV interview | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro is appearing in his first taped television interview for more than three months. | Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro is appearing in his first taped television interview for more than three months. |
Mr Castro, 81, who looked thin but healthy, has not appeared in public since July last year when he underwent emergency intestinal surgery. | Mr Castro, 81, who looked thin but healthy, has not appeared in public since July last year when he underwent emergency intestinal surgery. |
There have been no official photographs or video footage of him since 5 June. | There have been no official photographs or video footage of him since 5 June. |
Mr Castro spoke slowly with long pauses about a range of international topics including the strength of the dollar against the euro. | Mr Castro spoke slowly with long pauses about a range of international topics including the strength of the dollar against the euro. |
"Yesterday the euro was at $1.41. Oil I think about $84 a barrel," he said, suggesting that he was up to date on current affairs and that the interview was very recent. | |
He also showed a copy of a book by former US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan, which was published this week. | |
'Deathbed' rumours | 'Deathbed' rumours |
The interview focussed on a recent newspaper article by Mr Castro on international affairs, the risks to the global economy and criticism of the United States. | The interview focussed on a recent newspaper article by Mr Castro on international affairs, the risks to the global economy and criticism of the United States. |
They changed nearly all his blood - Fidel is alive because he is Fidel Hugo ChavezVenezuelan president | |
But the BBC's correspondent in Havana says that Mr Castro's words are seen as less important than the fact that he has made an appearance. | But the BBC's correspondent in Havana says that Mr Castro's words are seen as less important than the fact that he has made an appearance. |
Earlier on Friday, Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez, said Mr Castro had undergone several blood transfusions but could "live 100 more years." | |
"What little problem does he have? One operation, two operations, three operations. At 81, you can imagine he almost died," he said. | |
"They changed nearly all his blood. Fidel is alive because he is Fidel." | |
Cuban officials have insisted Mr Castro is on the road to recovery. | Cuban officials have insisted Mr Castro is on the road to recovery. |
He has been writing regular newspaper editorials but the lack of images has intensified speculation about Mr Castro's health. | He has been writing regular newspaper editorials but the lack of images has intensified speculation about Mr Castro's health. |
His failure to appear on his birthday on 13 August fuelled rumours that he might be on his deathbed. | His failure to appear on his birthday on 13 August fuelled rumours that he might be on his deathbed. |
Mr Castro's younger brother, Raul, has been acting president since 31 July, 2006. | Mr Castro's younger brother, Raul, has been acting president since 31 July, 2006. |