One of the most divisive figures in global politics, the Communist leader of Cuba Fidel Castro, has announced his decision not to seek the Presidency again after years of being the ruler of the American country.
Castro who has been in power for 49 years, since the success of his guerilla campaign against the dictator, Batista, in 1959, has taken the decision ahead of a meeting of the Cuban National Assembly on Sunday to appoint a new President. In a letter to Granma, the Cuban Communist Party newspaper, he pointed to his deteriorating health as the main reason for standing aside after so long in power saying, "It would betray my conscience to take up a responsibility that requires mobility and total devotion, that I am not in a physical condition to offer."
Castro's health has been a major issue since July 2006, when the reigns of power were temporarily given to the 81 year olds younger brother, Raul, to undergo emergency intestinal surgery and since then he has not made any public appearances since. It is Raul who is now favourite to succeed his brother as President though 59 year old Vice President Carlos Lage Davila is also considered to be a candidate for the post.
Fidel Castro's announcement has been welcomed by long term nemesis, the USA with George Bush calling for the announcement "to begin a period of a democratic transition." Gordon Brown mirrored those remarks by stating that he hoped "that a new path will open up after this withdrawal and that there will be more democracy in that country."
Today's announcement marks the end of a reign which has led to both human rights abuses and oppression alongside a high quality universal free health care service and an impressive education system and along the way has divided many not just at home, but across the world.
-Adam Evans, Chief Political Correspondent
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