Former Cuban president Fidel Castro addressed the island’s parliament for the first time in four years on Saturday and appealed to world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, to avoid a nuclear war.
The return of the veteran 83-year-old Cuban revolutionary to the National Assembly, transmitted live by Cuban state television, crowned a spate of recent public appearances after a long period of seclusion because of illness.
Castro, dressed in a long-sleeved green military shirt without rank insignias, used it to expound again his recent warnings that US pressure against Iran could trigger a nuclear conflagration that would destroy the world.
It was the first time that the historic leader of Cuba’s revolution had participated in a public government meeting since 2006, when he fell ill and underwent intestinal surgery.
In 2008, he formally handed over the presidency of communist-ruled Cuba to his younger brother Raul Castro.
Helped to walk in by aides, the bearded leader was greeted in the parliament by a standing ovation and shouts of “Viva Fidel.”
Castro opened the special assembly session, which had been requested by him, by delivering a 12-minute prepared speech in a firm, clear, but sometimes halting voice.
He urged world leaders to persuade Obama not to unleash a nuclear strike against Iran, which he said could occur if Tehran resisted US and Israeli efforts to enforce international sanctions against it for its nuclear activities.
“Obama wouldn’t give the order if we persuade him ... we’re making a contribution to this positive effort,” he said.
He said he was sure that China and “the Soviets” — an apparent reference to Russia, the former Soviet Union — did not want a world nuclear war and would work to avoid it.
Castro also referred to the case of one of five convicted Cuban spies jailed in the US, Gerardo Hernandez, saying he hoped his wife would be allowed to visit him or that he could even be released.
Raul Castro also attended the assembly session, wearing a long-sleeved white shirt. Deputies made observations on Castro’s speech, congratulating him and agreeing with him.
Fidel Castro, who has also predicted a US clash with North Korea, urged Obama on Wednesday to avoid a nuclear confrontation, which he described as “now virtually inevitable.”
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