Fidel Castro dismisses reports that he is dead or near death in an article published on Monday in Cuba's state-run press.<br/> <br />The former Cuban leader accused news agencies and enemies of Cuba of spreading "stupidities" about him. He targeted a report from a Spanish newspaper last week that said he had suffered a massive stroke and was in a vegetative state.<br/> <br />The article in the Communist Party newspaper Granma included photos which Castro wrote were "proof of what liars they are."<br/> <br />Rumors about the 86-year olds health have been swirling in social media in recent weeks.<br/> <br />Fidel Castro ruled Cuba for 49 years before resigning in 2008, citing age and infirmity. His younger brother Raul Castro succeeded him as president.
