Fidel Castro makes rare public appearance in wake of Obama visit

Ageing former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has made a rare public appearance, his first nine months. The 89-year-old ex-president visited a school to mark the birthday of a revolutionary heroine. State television broadcast images of the gray-bearded Mr Castro sitting at a desk and conversing with students and teachers at the school, named after his sister-in-law Vilma Espin, who died in 2007. “I’m sure that on a day like today, Vilma would be happy,” said the leader of Cuba’s 1959 revolution.

Everybody who dies fighting for the revolution leaves their energy on the way, they leave their effort and struggle

Fidel Castro

The appearance comes as the ruling communist party prepares for next weekend’s convention which is designed to set Cuba’s economic and political path for the next five years. Mr Castro yielded power to his brother, Raul, in 2006 for health reasons. But he is still thought to hold some influence and the latest appearance comes days after Mr Castro penned a scornful critique of U.S. president Barack Obama’s recent visit.

We do not need the empire to give us anything

Fidel Castro on Mr Obama’s visit

fidel castro