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Cuba TV shows pictures of Castro Cuba TV shows pictures of Castro
(about 1 hour later)
Cuban television has broadcast the first images of President Fidel Castro in more than a month, defiantly addressing rumours that he had died.Cuban television has broadcast the first images of President Fidel Castro in more than a month, defiantly addressing rumours that he had died.
Mr Castro said his recovery would be long and not without risk, but said he was "coming along just as planned."
He called the rumours "ridiculous" and said: "Let's see what they say now."He called the rumours "ridiculous" and said: "Let's see what they say now."
Earlier this month, Time magazine quoted an unnamed US official alleging that the president had terminal cancer. The 80-year-old, who temporarily handed over power to his younger brother in July following intestinal surgery, had not been seen since mid-September.
Mr Castro's younger brother, Raul, denied this, saying the president, who had intestinal surgery in July, was "getting better all the time". In the new video footage the ailing president was pictured walking unassisted and reading a copy of Saturday's edition of Granma, the Communist Party daily newspaper.
"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," he said.
State secret
Images of Mr Castro were shown in September to quell rumours Earlier this month, Time magazine quoted an unnamed US official alleging that the president had terminal cancer.
Mr Castro's younger brother, Raul, denied this, saying the president, was "getting better all the time".
Mr Castro handed temporary power to his brother in July, prompting speculation that his 47-year rule was nearly over.Mr Castro handed temporary power to his brother in July, prompting speculation that his 47-year rule was nearly over.
Cubans were told that details of the ailment would be kept secret to prevent Cuba's enemies from taking advantage of them.Cubans were told that details of the ailment would be kept secret to prevent Cuba's enemies from taking advantage of them.
Images of a frail Mr Castro were released on his 80th birthday, on 13 August, in an attempt to quell rumours that he had died. Images of a frail Mr Castro were released on his birthday, on 13 August, in an attempt to quell rumours that he had died.
More recently, video images were broadcast showing Mr Castro, in his hospital bed and wearing pyjamas, greeting visiting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.More recently, video images were broadcast showing Mr Castro, in his hospital bed and wearing pyjamas, greeting visiting Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.