Fidel Castro retires

An ailing Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president on Tuesday, February 19 after nearly a half-century in power, saying he was retiring and will not accept a new term when the new parliament meets on Sunday, February 24.

The announcement effectively ends the rule of the 81-year-old Castro after almost 50 years, positioning his 76-year-old brother Raul for permanent succession to the presidency.

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