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Ailing Castro misses Cuban parade Ailing Castro misses Cuban parade
(10 minutes later)
The Cuban capital, Havana, is staging a military parade in honour of Fidel Castro but the ailing leader was not present at the start of events.The Cuban capital, Havana, is staging a military parade in honour of Fidel Castro but the ailing leader was not present at the start of events.
The parade, on a key date in the Cuban revolution, is part of delayed 80th birthday celebrations for Mr Castro.The parade, on a key date in the Cuban revolution, is part of delayed 80th birthday celebrations for Mr Castro.
President Castro underwent emergency intestinal surgery at the end of July and has not been seen in public since.President Castro underwent emergency intestinal surgery at the end of July and has not been seen in public since.
Officials say he is recovering but his apparent absence will raise further questions about his health.Officials say he is recovering but his apparent absence will raise further questions about his health.
Birthday celebrations were originally due in August and President Castro has so far missed five days of festivities this week. The parade is continuing and Mr Castro could still appear before its conclusion.
Continuity However, events are being led by the acting president, Raul Castro, Fidel's younger brother and the island's defence minister.
At a gala on Friday attended by several Latin American leaders, Cuban Vice-President Carlos Lage said Mr Castro's health was improving and that the country would remain socialist long into the future.
Most Cubans have known no other leaderMost Cubans have known no other leader
"In Cuba, there will be no succession. There will be continuity." Mr Lage said. Soviet-era tanks and missile launchers are on show in Havana's Revolution Square, attended by thousands of Cubans.
"When Fidel is no longer with us, his work his ideas and his example will be," he went on, before adding: "Fidel is recovering. We will have him among us, he will keep leading and we will ask him to keep doing so for some years more." Soviet-era tanks, missile launchers, even a few Mig fighter jets are on show in Havana's Revolution Square, attended by thousands of Cubans. The parade began with Raul Castro riding on a jeep through Havana's main square after a 21-gun salute before he launched into a speech praising the Cuban revolution and attacking the United States.
It had been thought that President Castro might take the opportunity to make his first public appearance in four months on such a significant date.It had been thought that President Castro might take the opportunity to make his first public appearance in four months on such a significant date.
Exactly 50 years ago to the day, Mr Castro made another comeback, returning to Cuba from exile in Mexico to launch a guerrilla war aided by Ernesto "Che" Guevara.Exactly 50 years ago to the day, Mr Castro made another comeback, returning to Cuba from exile in Mexico to launch a guerrilla war aided by Ernesto "Che" Guevara.
Three years later, their 9,000-strong force overthrew the regime of Fulgencio Batista.Three years later, their 9,000-strong force overthrew the regime of Fulgencio Batista.
More time Socialist future
President Castro failure to attend the parade suggests it is unlikely he will be back holding the reins of power, correspondents say - a development that would be life-altering news for Cubans, most of whom know no other leader. Senior Cuban government figures say that speculation about the Cuban leader's health is ill-informed and spread by his enemies.
Birthday celebrations were initially scheduled when the Cuban leader turned 80 in August, but were moved to December after he became ill and temporarily transferred power to his brother, Raul. At a gala on Friday attended by several Latin American leaders, Cuban Vice-President Carlos Lage said Mr Castro's health was improving and that the country would remain socialist long into the future.
President Castro was due to attend a concert earlier this week, but instead he sent a message apologising that he needed more time to recuperate. "When Fidel is no longer with us, his work his ideas and his example will be," Mr Lage said, adding: "Fidel is recovering. We will have him among us, he will keep leading and we will ask him to keep doing so for some years more."
If there is no appearance by President Castro, it will be a sign that it is unlikely he will be back holding the reins of power, correspondents say - a development that would be life-altering news for Cubans, most of whom know no other leader.
Birthday celebrations were initially scheduled when the Cuban leader turned 80 in August, but were moved to December after he became ill.
His last appearance on Cuban television, looking frail and wearing pyjamas rather than his trademark military fatigues, was more than a month ago.His last appearance on Cuban television, looking frail and wearing pyjamas rather than his trademark military fatigues, was more than a month ago.