Fidel Castro addresses a crowd for first time in four years

Sep 4, 2010, 3:07 GMT

Havana - Historic Cuban leader Fidel Castro addressed tens of thousands of students Friday on the steps of the University of Havana, his first appearance before a crowd in more than four years.

Wearing his trademark fatigues and a cap, Castro, 84, reaped generous applause as he defended Iran's nuclear programme and again warned of the risk of nuclear war in the Middle East.

The elderly revolutionary, who led Cuba for close to half-a- century and stepped down from power in Cuba four years ago, argued that the United States and Israel 'do not and cannot have proof' that Tehran is building atomic weapons.

'They do not have proof. For them, having a research centre is a reason to attack (Iran). Having a plant that produces electric power from uranium is something that constitutes no crime and for them it is proof that weapons are being built,' Castro told the students.

The speech lasted about 45 minutes.

After nearly half a century at the helm of the communist Caribbean island, Castro stepped down in mid 2006 to get treatment for an intestinal illness that as of yet has not been officially confirmed.

After a long period of absence from public life, Castro has made numerous public appearances over the past few weeks, including the first parliamentary address since his illness.