The New Nation - Internet Edition

BBC ONLINE: The health of Cuban President Fidel Castro is good enough for him to be a candidate in next month's parliamentary elections, his brother Raul has said. Raul Castro said Fidel was exercising two hours daily and putting on weight. Fidel Castro handed over power temporarily to Raul in July 2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery. Communist leaders back Fidel Castro's decision to run for parliament, a prerequisite to remaining president, his younger brother said. 'Powerful mind' Last week Fidel Castro, 81, indicated that he could possibly step down in favour of a younger generation. He has ruled Cuba since the 1959 revolution but has not appeared in public since undergoing surgery last year.