Fidel Castro walks, talks on state television

By Afp, Havana
29 October 2006, 18:00 PM
Convalescing Cuban President Fidel Castro appeared on state television Saturday speaking to Cubans as he browsed the day's newspapers, his first public appearance in 40 days.

"Now, when our enemies have prematurely declared me moribund or dead, I'm happy to send to our compatriots and friends around the world this short film footage," said Castro, 80.

The Cuban leader walked unassisted in the five-minute video.

Castro, in power since 1959, temporarily handed over the presidency to his brother Raul, 75, on July 31 as he recuperated from gastrointestinal surgery.