CUBA- Former President Fidel Castro, made his first public appearance in nine months when he attended the opening of an art studio in the capital, Havana, few days ago.

Pictures released on Thursday showed a frail-looking 87-year-old Mr Castro walking with a stick and looking at works of art.

Fidel Castro led Cuba for nearly half a century before handing over power to his brother, Raul, in 2006 because of ill health.

He has kept a low public profile, with sporadic appearances, ever since.

The last time he appeared in public was on 9 April last year, when he attended the inauguration of a Havana school.