The news quickly spread around the world, accompanied by a rehashing of Castro’s fall last year, which resulted in a fractured kneecap and right arm.
But mainstream news outlets were less eager to report that the 79-year-old spoke on his feet for several hours last week, addressing University Student Federation leaders, students and teachers during a 60th anniversary ceremony for his entry to Havana´s University.
"Those who have tried to kill me so many times have been disappointed," Castro noted, according to a CBC news report. He also recounted the details of his operation, and said his arm continues to improve. "Some say the CIA discovered I had Parkinson´s disease," he commented, flexing his right arm. Then he added with a smile that it is still strong enough to hold a gun.