A fit-looking Fidel Castro scoffed at new reports of failing health, saying he feels "better than ever".
At the University of Havana, the 79-year-old communist leader hugged and chatted with scores of student leaders from Cuban colleges. It was part of a celebration to mark the start of Castro's law studies 60 years ago.
"They have tried to kill me off so many times," Castro said. But those who circulate the frequent reports that his health is suffering would be disappointed, he said. "I feel, luckily, better than ever," he said.
The latest report about Castro's health emerged Wednesday when U.S. officials said American intelligence analysis indicates he may suffer from Parkinson's disease. The report was first carried by the Miami Herald.
The Cuban president, now in power for nearly 47 years, said he would not insist on remaining in power if he ever became too sick to lead the country.
"If I don't feel I'm in condition, I'll call the (Communist) Party and tell them I don't feel I'm in condition . . . that please, someone take over the command," Castro said.
But Castro also indicated such a scenario was unlikely to occur soon, telling the students that he exercises regularly, watches his diet, "and don't neglect myself in any way.
"And now they say that the CIA has discovered I have Parkinson's! . . . I wouldn't care if I got Parkinson's, the Pope [John Paul II] had Parkinson's," he said, stretching out a steady arm. "Look at the Parkinson's," he said sarcastically.
AP