Castro defies death rumours with visit

Published on 22/10/2012 00:53

Cuban leader Fidel Castro has appeared in public for the first time in months, challenging persistent rumours that the ageing revolutionary is near death.

The 86-year-old leader dropped off a Venezuelan guest at the Hotel Nacional on Saturday afternoon, then stayed for about half an hour to chat with hotel staff, commercial director Yamila Fuster said.

She said: “Fidel Castro was here yesterday, he brought a guest and spoke to workers.”

The news was being released officially by the state-owned establishment.