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Castro seen in rare TV interview Castro seen in rare TV interview
(about 5 hours later)
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro has appeared in his first taped television interview for more than three months.Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro has appeared 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."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.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 presidentThey 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. He also answered a question on the state of his health.
"Well, I'm still here," he said. "And if they say I'm dying, or have died, or I'm going to die the day after tomorrow, well, no-one knows when they're going to die."
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."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."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.""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.