FILE - In this Feb. 10, 2012 file photo released by the state media website Cubadebate, Cuba's leader Fidel Castro speaks during a meeting with intellectuals and writers at the International Book Fair in Havana, Cuba. The rumor mill surrounding Castro's health continued to churn Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, despite a letter from the aging Cuban revolutionary published by state-media and denials by relatives that he is on death's door. The latest spark to set the Internet aflame are claims by a Venezuelan doctor that Castro, 86, had suffered a massive stroke, was in a vegetative state, and had only weeks to live. (AP Photo/Cubadebate, Roberto Chile, File)
A handout picture provided on 04 April 2015 by Cuba debate shows former Cuban President Fidel Castro (L) greeting Venezuelan tourists during a visit to a school in Havana, Cuba, 30 March 2015. This was Castro’s first public appearance in over a year. EPA/CUBADEBATE / HANDOUT BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
HAVANA, Cuba.– Revolutionary icon Fidel Castro made his first public appearance in 14 months, Cuba’s state-run newspaper Granma reported today and confirmed that the former president had this week met with a Venezuelan delegation that had been invited to the island.
Granma published four photographs on its website of the 88-year-old Castro seated inside a bus or van and shaking the hands of supporters leaning in through the vehicle’s windows.
The father of the Cuban revolution has kept a low public profile since leaving office in 2006 for health reasons, He last appeared on January 8, 2014 when he attended the opening of the Alexis Leyva “Kcho”’s gallery.
According to Granma, Castro greeted, one by one and without any difficulties, the Venezuelans, who were left impressed by Castro’s lucidity and his attention to the details of what is happening in Venezuela.
