Speculation over Castro`s health has intensified since the historic Dec. 17 announcement by his younger brother, and current president, Raul Castro, and U.S. President Barack Obama, that the two longtime adversaries would restore diplomatic ties. Castro, who periodically writes a column, went silent after the announcement until finally commenting a week ago, when he offered lukewarm support for the pact his brother reached with Obama.

The pictures of Castro with student leader Randy Perdomo were taken on Jan. 23, according to Perdomo`s account, which appeared with the photos on the website of the Communist Party newspaper Granma on Monday night.

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro talks to President of Cuba`s University Students Federation (FEU) Randy Perdomo as Castro`s wife Dalia looks on during a meeting in Havana in this picture provided by Cubadebate. Photographs of Castro, 88, appeared in official media on February 2, 2015 for the first time since August, showing him slightly hunched over while seated, but appearing animated as he spoke with the student leader. The pictures of Castro with Perdomo were taken on January 23, 2015 according to Perdomo`s account.

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