Ailing Fidel Castrol stands down as Cuba's leader

Published on Tuesday 19 February 2008 10:50

FIDEL Castro today resigned as President of Cuba after nearly a half-century, saying he would not accept a new term when the newly elected parliament meets on Sunday.

"I will not aspire nor accept – I repeat I will not aspire or accept, the post of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief,"

read a letter signed by Castro published quietly overnight without advance warning in the online edition of the Communist Party daily Granma.

The new National Assembly is meeting for first time on Sunday since January elections to pick the governing Council of State, including the presidency Castro holds.

There had been wide speculation about whether he would accept a nomination for re-election to that post or retire.

The 81-year-old Castro's overnight announcement effectively ends his rule of almost 50 years over Cuba, positioning his 76-year-old brother Raul for permanent succession to the presidency.