Cuba Verdad: Raul Castro 'not imitating Fidel'

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Cuba's acting President, Raul Castro, has told university students he
has no intention of imitating the leadership style of his older brother
Fidel.

Mr Castro said Fidel - who is said to be recovering from intestinal
surgery - was "irreplaceable".

Raul Castro said he was delegating more responsibility and giving fewer
speeches than Fidel.

Fidel Castro,80, has not been seen in public since his July surgery,
fuelling speculation about his condition.

Allies of the man who has ruled Cuba for more than 47 years have
dismissed rumours that he is suffering from cancer.

Cubans have been told that details of the ailment will be kept secret to
prevent the nation's enemies from taking advantage of them.

'Historic moment'

During his speech on Wednesday, Raul Castro, 75, did not mention his
brother's health.

He told the audience of university students that Cuba's communist system
would continue with or without Fidel.

Fidel's designated successor, who is also defence minister, said Cuba
was at a historic moment.

"I say historic because, like it or not, we are finishing the fulfilment
of our duty and we have to give way to new generations," he said.

"Fidel is irreplaceable, unless we all replace him together."

Published: 2006/12/21 10:35:28 GMT

Cuba Verdad