Fidel Castro ends silence on thaw in US-Cuba relations

Breaking a long and speculation-arousing silence on Cuba's attempts to re-establish diplomatic ties with the United States, former ruler Fidel Castro has reportedly said that although he still distrusts Washington but he would not reject a "peaceful resolution" to conflicts and the perils of war.

In a letter published on Monday, Castro referred to Raul Castro as "the president of Cuba," and said that he had taken "pertinent steps in accordance with his prerogatives and the powers given to him by the National Assembly the Communist Party of Cuba," reported Stuff.co.nz.

The letter was addressed to Cuba's Student Federation on the eve of the group's annual march commemorating national hero Jose Marti. The 88-year-old ailing leader mentioned United State only in the last few paragraphs.

The letter lacked any reference to the return of the three remaining Cuban agents who were part of the "Cuban Five" and were released in a prisoner swap as part of the deal with the United States.

The ailing former ruler has not been seen in public for a year but he does periodically express his opinion on matters of major importance through letters and written statements. He was forced to step down in 2006 after 47 years in power due to a near-fatal illness.