Fidel Castro: Issues Message to Dismiss Death Rumors as Colombian government, FARC Prepare to Meet in Cuba

Just one week after a Venezuelan journalist proclaimed that Fidel Castro would have been dead by now, Castro seems to be alive and well - enough to address his constituents.

In the message on Wednesday, Castro congratulated doctors graduating from a Cuban medical institute on the 50th anniversary of the institute's founding.

"I congratulate you all on this 50th anniversary, and particularly, to the founders of the Institute of Basic and Preclinical Sciences "Victoria de Girón", which deserve special congratulations," Castro reportedly said. "They did honor to which over half a century ago and the cost of many lives, demonstrated the powerful Yankee empire that will answer those who seek to enslave our people."

Castro, 86, has been noticeably absent since his surgery in 2006 and since his brother Raul Castro took control of the government.

He was last seen publicly in March, when he met with Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff's visit to Cuba.

Castro's son Alex Castro told Cuban state media that Castro is "well, following his daily routine, reading, and exercising."

Castro's message comes as the Colombian government and FARC rebels prepare to meet in Cuba for peace talks and the Cuban government lifted most of the travel restrictions that will be done away with starting January 14.

Both groups will meet on Nov. 15 to discuss an agenda to end a long war that has left tens of thousands dead and millions more displaced since the founding of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, in 1964.

The peace talks started in Norway on Thursday and the Columbian government hopes to "embark on a road to social change."

According to the Associated Press, the talks will "focus on agrarian reform and full political rights for the peasant-based rebels once an agreement is signed and they disarm."

Humberto de la Calle, head of the Delegation of the Government, said "Cuba was an extraordinary host during the exploratory meeting, and will be at the meetings to come. Thanks to the government, which has been efficient and timely support that has been asked."