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Castro Hints at His Own Failing Health

He says he may not be lucid in 4 years; again praises Obama

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 23, 2009 7:12 AM CST
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(Newser) – Fidel Castro hinted in a new column that his health is failing, the AP reports. The 82-year-old former Cuban leader wrote yesterday in his online column that Cuban officials "shouldn't feel bound by my occasional reflections, my state of health or my death." He also had warm words for President Obama, noting that his “intelligent and noble face” has become “a living symbol of the American dream.”

"I have had the rare privilege of observing events over such a long time. I receive information and meditate calmly on those events," Castro wrote in a column that had the ring of a farewell. "I expect I won't enjoy that privilege in four years, when Obama's first presidential term has ended." The state-run Cuban media, which usually reads out Castro’s addresses in full, did not mention the column.

Fidel Castro writes in an online column that he doubts he'll be able to follow current events four years from now.
Fidel Castro writes in an online column that he doubts he'll be able to follow current events four years from now.   (AP Photo/Juventud Rebelde)
Fidel Castro writes in an online column that he doubts he'll be able to follow current events four years from now.
Fidel Castro writes in an online column that he doubts he'll be able to follow current events four years from now.   (AP Photo)
Fidel Castro writes in an online column that he doubts he'll be able to follow current events four years from now.
Fidel Castro writes in an online column that he doubts he'll be able to follow current events four years from now.   (AP Photo/Granma)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Newser001
Jan 22, 2009 10:46 PM CST
I was saddened to read Obama will not end the embargo without conditions... But he did offer direct negotiations with Raul, allow less restrictive travel, and the transfer of funds to Cuba from families who reside in the US... It was my personal hope and wishes the embargo would be dropped, unconditionally... That we would stop dictating terms, as it only leads to defensive posturing... We should allow Cuba be Cuba... This from a Centralist’s perspective... What has passed has passed... Let us move on...

Castro writes of his health
USA Today

Raul: Fidel not near death
Los Angeles Times

 
Barack Obama • Fidel Castro • Cuba • Guantanamo Bay • Raul Castro

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