Fidel Castro has resigned as the president of Cuba after nearly 50 years in power, said a statement in Granma, the official Communist party newspaper.

 

Castro, 81 and with a stomach illness, had temporarily handed over power 19 months ago to his brother Raul. 

 

The 76-year-old defence minister is now expected formally to replace Castro.

A statement by Castro published on the newspaper's website read: "I neither will aspire to nor will I accept the position of president of the council of state and commander-in-chief."

 

His statement comes days before Cuba's national assembly session, where he was expected to win another term.