(CNN) -- Cuban state media released a message from Fidel Castro, the first communique said to be from the ex-leader since speculation over his health reached a fever pitch last week. There were no new images of Castro, 86, released Wednesday. He has not been seen publicly since March, when he met with Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff's visit to Cuba. Castro's usually frequent newspaper columns and musings suddenly ended in June. But his silence after the re-election of close ally Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in October prompted many of his opponents to wonder whether Castro was again ailing or perhaps dead.
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Long silence from Fidel Castro had fueled speculation about his health
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Son Alex: "The comandante is well, following his daily routine"
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There were no new images of Castro, 86, released Wednesday
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Castro reportedly congratulated doctors graduating from a Cuban medical institute
On Tuesday, the Cuban government announced the lifting of some restrictions for @placeholder traveling abroad.