Castro video scotches rumours he has died

The ailing Fidel Castro made his first public appearance in more than a month, walking and ridiculing rumours of his death in a video aired on Cuban state television.

The 80-year-old Cuban leader, who temporarily ceded power to his brother Raul in July following intestinal surgery, appeared thin and tired, but read the newspaper in a loud voice and was shown walking slowly but steadily in an unidentified room.

"They've declared me moribund prematurely," he said, holding a copy of yesterday's edition of Granma, the Communist Party daily newspaper. "But it pleases me to send my compatriots and friends this small video."

Castro said he is participating in Cuba's decision-making process while he recovers.

The Cuban leader had not been seen since mid-September when photographs of him receiving world leaders at a summit in Havana were released.

Castro said his recovery would be prolonged and not without risk, but that "I am coming along just as planned … I feel whole."

"I'm not the least bit afraid of what will occur," he added.

The Cuban government has treated Castro's illness as a state secret, and rumours that he may have died had intensified in recent weeks.

He has not made a public appearance since July 26, a few days before he underwent surgery.

He called the death rumours ridiculous and insulting, saying they were the work of his enemies.

"Let's see what they say now," he said.