Cuban state media have published a series of photographs of former President Fidel Castro, the first to be released in nearly six months.

The release of the photographs, reportedly taken in January, comes after renewed speculation about the 88-year-old ex-leader's health.

Mr Castro has not been seen in public for more than a year.

The photos show him in conversation with student leader Randy Perdomo at Mr Castro's home in Havana.

Dispelling rumours

Fidel Castro led Cuba for nearly half a century before handing over power to his brother, Raul, in 2006 because of ill health.

Rumours about his imminent death have surfaced on a number of occasions over the past decade.

Only a few weeks ago Mr Castro sent a letter to former footballer Diego Maradona to quash rumours that he had died.

In a long article published in the state-run newspaper Granma and on state-run websites, Mr Perdomo recounted his encounter with Mr Castro.

Source: http://www.ereporter.com.ng/index.php/world-news/item/2991-cuba-releases-new-pictures-of-ex-leader-fidel-castro

Life is stages, Ex-Leader Fidel castro is in stage of rest in his life and doesn't need all these publicity now other than focus on his health so he stays many years as much as possible.