Published: Saturday, 2 February, 2008, 01:58 AM Doha Time
HAVANA: Cuban leader Fidel Castro turned down an invitation to visit
Brazil from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, citing health reasons,
Castro himself wrote in an essay published yesterday.
Castro, in an editorial in Granma, the Cuban Communist Party newspaper,
said Lula extended the invitation during his visit here January 15.
"Almost at the end (of the meeting) he said: 'You are invited to come to
Brazil this year.'
"'Thanks,' I told him," Castro recalled. "At least in thoughts I will be
there."
Castro, 81, has been recovering since undergoing intestinal surgery 18
months ago, when he handed over power temporarily to his brother Raul
Castro, the regime's number-two and defence chief, 76.
Fidel Castro said he told Lula he was recovering from the intestinal
ailment and consequences of a fall off a stage in 2004.
Cubans are anxious for news on whether Fidel Castro will resume power or
formally step aside.
Interim president Raul Castro said on January 20 that the National
Assembly would elect Cuba's next president on February 24, amid
speculation ailing Fidel might not be its choice for the first time in
almost five decades. – AFP
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