Castro Sighting Outside of Havana

[Judi Lynn]

Source: CBS News

HAVANA July 24, 2010
Castro Sighting Outside of Havana
First Time Former Cuban Leader Has Ventured Outside Capital Since 2006

(AP) Fidel Castro made his first reported appearance outside Havana on Saturday since a health crisis forced him from power in 2006, the strongest indication yet he is reclaiming a major public persona after years out of the spotlight.

The gray-bearded, 83-year-old wore an olive-green shirt at a ceremony in Artemisa, 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Cuba's capital, honoring fallen fighters in his revolution. Through frail, Castro looked a bit like his old self in video released on state television and in photos posted on the government website Cubadebate.

It was the latest in a slew of public appearances in recent weeks, but was of note because it marked Castro's first confirmed trip outside Havana since undergoing intestinal surgery, and because he wore an olive green button-down shirt.

Though devoid of stars and insignia, the shirt was reminiscent of the military uniform that was Castro's trademark for nearly a half century and differed sharply from the tracksuits he had on in government photos and videos released as he recuperated from his undisclosed illness in a secret location. He also occasionally had wore street clothes when visiting with foreign leaders or dignitaries.

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/24/world/main671...