Fidel Castro Officially Resigns as Cuban President

The ailing Cuban leader, Fidel Castro has announced he will not return to the presidency in a letter published by official Communist Party paper, Granma.

"I neither will aspire to nor will I accept - I repeat - I neither will aspire to nor will I accept, the position of president of the council of state and commander in chief," wrote Mr Castro, who had been in power for almost 50 years.

Mr Castro handed over power temporarily to his brother, Raul, in July 2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery, and has not been seen in public since.

The 81-year-old has ruled Cuba since leading a communist revolution in 1959.

In December, Mr Castro indicated that he could possibly step down in favour of a younger generation.

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