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Fidel Castro (AP) Last update - 10:49 19/02/2008 Ailing Fidel Castro resigns as Cuban president after 49 years By Reuters Tags: Cuba, Fidel Castro, Granma  Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro said Tuesday that he will not return to lead the country, resigning as head of state 49 years after he seized power in an armed revolution. Castro, 81, said in a statement to the country that he would not seek a new presidential term when the National Assembly meets on February 24. "To my dear compatriots, who gave me the immense honor in recent days of electing me a member of parliament ... I communicate to you that I will not aspire to or accept ... the position of president of council of state and commander in chief," Castro said in a statement published on the Web site of the Communist Party's Granma newspaper. Advertisement The National Assembly or legislature is expected to nominate his brother and designated successor Raul Castro as president in place of Castro, who has not appeared in public for almost 19 months after being stricken by an undisclosed illness. His retirement drew the curtain on a political career that spanned the Cold War and survived U.S. enmity, CIA assassination attempts and the demise of Soviet Communism. A charismatic leader famous for his long speeches delivered in his green military fatigues, Castro is admired in the Third World for standing up to the United States but considered by his opponents a tyrant who suppressed freedom Bookmark to del.icio.us   Personalized workout Boutique gyms is the next big thing - for those who can pay. No to non-violence 'Human chain' against the blockade on gaza yields disappointing turnout.   1.   Castro 10:24  |  Allen Gochnour 19/02/08   2.   where is Che` Gueverra when ya` need him|?? 11:25  |  akiva (zionist) 19/02/08   3.   Allen Gochnour 11:39  |  W. Casey 19/02/08   4.   MAZEL TOV TO THE CUBANOS! 11:51  |  Johnny Weintraub 19/02/08   5.   Comandante en jefe 12:08  |  ILFESSO 19/02/08   6.   #4 Johnny Weintraub 12:55  |  Boycott 19/02/08   7.   Castro 14:10  |  Poropa 19/02/08   8.   To those who are irritated by americans here 14:50  |  Magnus 19/02/08   9.   Agree with #7 15:51  |  Angela 19/02/08   10.   Poropa 15:57  |  W.Casey 19/02/08   11.   Reply to Magnus in Norway (Post No. 8) 15:58  |  Johnny Weintraub 19/02/08   12.   Magnus, the Norwaygian 16:20  |  Elta 19/02/08   13.   Poropa 16:52  |  W. Casey 19/02/08   14.   8: A Norwegian completely confused about the Americas 17:13  |  David Teich 19/02/08   15.   ADIOS COMANDANTE 17:13  |  Sylvia Margolis 19/02/08   16.   Magnus 18:23  |  Danite 19/02/08   17.   David Teich. adds to the confusion. 19:37  |  hubal 19/02/08   18.   David Teich. adds to the confusion. 19:37  |  hubal 19/02/08   19.   US crimes in Cuba 19:40  |  hubal 19/02/08   20.   US crimes in Cuba 19:40  |  hubal 19/02/08   21.   Hubal, agreeing without realizing it 09:55  |  David Teich 26/02/08

Today Online Yoel Marcus: Annihilating Israel truly is Iran's goal Send response Nazir Majali: Why is Israel destroying its Egypt ties? Responses: 9 Canadian Jew loses bid to have 'Jerusalem, Israel' in passport Responses: 135 Obama`s top adviser: Israel and Arabs must negotiate own peace Responses: 163 Akiva Eldar: AIPAC does not even bother to rally for two-state solution Responses: 87 Rosner's Domain "Reasonable people can agree or disagree on meeting Ahmadinejad" Clinton allies say: Obama bad for Israel (WTR) Iran Could Have Enough Uranium for a Bomb by Year's End (WTR) Poll: Is it time for Israel to end the blockade in Gaza? McCain, a supporter of Israel with a 'Judeophile' brother More Headlines 09:42 High Court upholds Katsav sex crimes plea bargain 07:55 Iran ordered to pay $33 million to murdered Israeli diplomat's family 07:39 ANALYSIS: In the end blood was shed in Sderot, not Gaza 10:08 Will Obama be supportive of an Israel controlled by a Likud government? 02:13 Report: Widow of slain Hezbollah terrorist blames Syria for killing 06:46 Store manager fined for employing Jewish workers on Shabbat 07:26 Israeli diplomat postpones meeting after Costa Rica recognizes Palestinian state 06:22 Iran UN envoy: Exiled group feeding U.S. lies on weapons plan 03:08 Olmert aides: Demonstration in Gaza 'much ado about nothing' 06:06 Australian soccer player to be disciplined for dressing as Hitler 08:35 Vets mend sea turtle's limb in first operation of its kind in Israel Previous Editions Select Day 25 feb 24 feb 22 feb 21 feb 20 feb 19 feb 18 feb 17 feb 15 feb 14 feb 13 feb 12 feb

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