BBC

Cuba, Feb 19: Cuba's ailing leader Fidel Castro has announced he will not return to the presidency, in a letter published by official Communist Party paper, Granma.

"I neither will aspire to, nor will I accept, the position of president of the council of state and commander in chief," he wrote in the letter.

Mr Castro handed over power temporarily to his brother, Raul, in July 2006 when he underwent intestinal surgery.

The 81-year-old has ruled Cuba since leading a communist revolution in 1959.

In December, Mr Castro indicated that he could possibly step down in favour of a younger generation.

In the letter published on Granma's website during the middle of the night in Cuba, Mr Castro said he would not accept another term as president because of the health problems when the National Assembly meets on Sunday.

"The moment has arrived to propose and elect the Council of State, its president, vice-president," he added.

The National Assembly is widely expected to elect Raul Castro as his successor.