Fidel Castro Appears in Cuban Press

HAVANA TIMES — The Cuban media published photos today of former President Fidel Castro, showing him during a recent meeting in Havana with the Franco-Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet.

Castro received Ramonet at his home on Dec. 13, reported dpa. They talked for two hours, according to reports.

The meeting took place “on the 19th anniversary of Fidel Castro’s first encounter with the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez”, Prensa Latina noted.

Ramonet, author of the interview book “One Hundred Hours with Fidel” spoke with Castro about his latest book, (“Hugo Chavez. Mi primera vida”), focused on the figure of Chavez.

A picture of the meeting shows the former president, 87, sitting in sportswear and chatting with Ramonet. Castro, whose face is not directed to the camera but towards Ramonet has not been seen in public for months.

The historic leader of the Cuban Revolution lives retired from public life after handing power to his brother Raul in 2006 after suffering a severe intestinal disease.

His public appearances have become increasingly rare. In recent times he has also stopped writing his “Reflections,” opinion pieces he wrote regularly for the Cuban press in the early years of his convalescence.