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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |