Cuba's former president Fidel Castro broke a one-month silence to praise new U.S. President Barack Obama.
In a posting on a government website, Mr. Castro said he does not have the least doubt about Mr. Obama's honesty. But, he said, many questions remain about the new American leader.
The comments were Mr. Castro's first written remarks since December 15. His long silence prompted speculation that the 82-year-old's health had deteriorated.
Mr. Castro's article was about a conversation he had with Argentina's president Christine Fernandez, who visited him in Cuba on Wednesday.
Following the meeting, Ms. Fernandez dispelled rumors about the former Cuban leader's health, saying she thought he looked good.
Mr. Castro has not been seen in public since undergoing intestinal surgery in July 2006. Details of his health are considered a state secret.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
