2008 Woodie Awards
Castro resigns as Cuba's President
Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: News
Fidel Castro resigned Tuesday as president of Cuba and the commander and chief of their army.
Casto, 81, is resigning after 49 years as head of state and his resignation ends one of the world’s longest reigns in power. The former president announced he would not be seeking a new term due to his ailing health.
He first received treatment for intestinal problems two years ago and cited his “critical health condition,” according to CNN.
“It would be a betrayal to my conscience to accept a responsibility requiring more mobility and dedication than I am physically able to offer,” he said, according to CNN.
Cuba's leaders plan to elect a president within days. Castro's brother Raúl, 76, has been named as the next president.
Casto, 81, is resigning after 49 years as head of state and his resignation ends one of the world’s longest reigns in power. The former president announced he would not be seeking a new term due to his ailing health.
He first received treatment for intestinal problems two years ago and cited his “critical health condition,” according to CNN.
“It would be a betrayal to my conscience to accept a responsibility requiring more mobility and dedication than I am physically able to offer,” he said, according to CNN.
Cuba's leaders plan to elect a president within days. Castro's brother Raúl, 76, has been named as the next president.
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