Fidel Castro gave a 5-hour speech to students at Havana University yesterday and accused the CIA of making up the latest rumor that he has Parkinson's Disease. He was standing throughout the speech.

He says his enemies are forever spreading rumours about his health.

The CIA had reported that Fidel Castro most likely had Parkinson's disease - the agency said he would find it progressively difficult to carry out his official duties.

'When I do die one day, nobody will believe me,' joked Castro. He was referring to the endless rumours about his health throughout his life. He said that if all the rumours had been true, he should have died many times.

He went on to say that if he did get Parkinson's one day he is not bothered. The Pope, he said, had Parkinson's for many years, but still managed to carry out his duties.

Castro says he is in excellent health and has never felt better. He is 79.


Editor: blog