I won’t be around much longer, predicts Castro

Cuba's Fidel Castro, ailing and 82, today published an internet column about death and his failing health.

He wrote that he had had the "rare privilege" of observing events for a long time, but said: "I expect I won't enjoy that privilege four years from now, when the first presidential term of Obama has concluded."

He praised new US President Barack Obama, who he said was "a living symbol of the American dream".

The former leader's health had been reported to be worsening because he had not written a column since last month after averaging nine a month last year.

He has not been seen in public since intestinal surgery in July 2006 forced him to turn over power to his brother Raul Castro.