Absence from US diplomatic talks fuels Fidel Castro death rumors

Amidst major diplomatic dealings with the United States, one stalwart of Cuban foreign policy has been noticeably absent from the limelight: Fidel Castro, adding fuel to speculation that the leader might be dead or in frail health. Over the past several months, the United States and Cuba have made major strides in the re-opening of diplomatic and trade relations, but nearly all of these efforts have been achieved without the involvement of former Cuban leader. Now led by Fidel’s brother, Raul, the Cuban Communist regime has made progressive moves into the 21st century by slowly breaking the paradigm of economic and political inertia that defined the last 60 years of the ruling government. SEE ALSO: Marco Rubio wants Cuba talks canceled amidst controversy of 53 Cuban dissidents Since the U.S. and Cuba’s groundbreaking re-establishment of diplomatic ties was announced several weeks ago, the most influential and notorious voice of Cuban public affairs has been all but absent from the process. Fidel Castro death rumors The prolonged silence on Fidel’s behalf has reinforced the notion that the regime is now firmly under the eye of his more progressive younger brother, while also reigniting the perpetual rumors of Fidel’s death. In a recent interview with Madalena Araujo of CNN, Raul Castro’s daughter, elected member of Parliament Mariela Castro Espin, stated that she was unsure, “what is his view about this process but I imagine that at any moment he’s going to write his reflections as usual. But I’m certain that he’s really happy about it, he must have participated in all this decision-making.” However, despite her re-assurances about her uncle’s involvement in the process, Fidel’s prolonged absence from the limelight at such a significant moment in Cuban history has inevitably reignited rumors of the aging dictator’s death. The Twittersphere chimes in on Cuba & Castro Over the past several hours, Twitter has come ablaze with the all-too-familiar rumors of the 88-year old’s death. And yet, the reports hold particular weight this time, considering the context of the negotiations and Fidel’s prolonged silence. As the Daily Mail reports, “Twitter is abuzz with rumors that Cuba’s former communist leader Fidel Castro has died, although the speculation has emerged close on the heels of the death of another high-profile person with the same name.” SEE ALSO: Raul Castro to Obama: Thanks Barack, now end sanctions While there has been a tendency to prematurely announce Fidel’s death over the years, the lack of a formal denial by the Cuban government has only accentuated and added weight Fidel Castro death rumors. Meanwhile, the U.S. is working to reopen an embassy in Havana for the first time in nearly 60 years, as news of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two neighbors has generally been met with elation on the island.The post Absence from US diplomatic talks fuels Fidel Castro death rumors appeared first on Voxxi.