Cuban revolutionary icon Fidel Castro makes rare public appearanceApril 8, 2016 - 16:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Cuban revolutionary icon Fidel Castro appeared in public for the first time in nine months, chatting with school children and criticizing Barack Obama's recent visit, AFP reports. Castro, 89, was seen on state TV state seated as he spoke to children about a late fellow revolutionary leader, Vilma Espin. The last time Castro appeared in public was nine months ago, when state TV showed him with civilians who work with the armed forces and the interior ministry. Castro, leader of the Cuban revolution of 1959, yielded power to his brother Raul in 2006 for health reasons. He latest appearance comes as the ruling communist party prepares a convention on April 16 which is designed to set Cuba's economic and political path for the next five years. During Thursday's public appearance, Castro spoke highly of Cuba's free public education system. In a newspaper article he criticized Obama's historic visit to the island from March 20-23, the first by a sitting U.S. president in more than 80 years. "We do not need the empire to give us anything," Castro wrote in an opinion piece in the state daily Granma. Obama and Raul Castro restored U.S.-Cuban relations in 2015 after half a century of enmity. During his visit, Obama declared the Cold War finally over, and reached out to the Castro regime, even though the U.S. trade embargo remains in place and the two countries differ on human rights. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |