Castro hints at 'retirement'
Tuesday, 18 Dec 2007 07:37
The ailing leader has hinted that he would like younger colleagues to move up the ranks
Cuban leader Fidel Castro has indicated he may be willing to formally give up his role as the leader of the island nation.
Mr Castro, 81, who has undergone surgery for intestinal problems, temporarily handed over power to his 76-year-old brother in July 2006, in order to recover from his medical ailments.
In a written message that was read out on state television, Mr Castro, who has been at the forefront of Cuba's politics since taking over power in a coup there in 1959, stated he didn't want to prevent the rise of younger people in his party.
The statement read on his behalf said: "My basic duty is not to cling to office, nor even more so to obstruct the rise of people much younger, but to pass on experiences and ideas whose modest value arises from the exceptional era in which I lived."
Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held next month and Mr Castro will stand for re-election to the national assembly. Members of parliament will then choose the country's Council of State, whose head is seen as Cuba's leader.
Analysts still expect the ailing leader to play a prominent role in the country's politics even if he takes up a reduced leadership role.
The communist leader has not made any public appearances since his operation, but has written many editorials during his recovery.
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