Fidel Castro reprints New York Times editorial calling for end to embargo on Cuba

HAVANA – Fidel Castro has reprinted a New York Times editorial calling for the end of the U.S. embargo on Cuba.

In an unusual move, the 88-year-old Cuban leader quotes the 1,057-word article almost word-for-word in his own editorial printed in state media Tuesday, omitting only one sentence about his government's release of political prisoners and another about U.S.-Cuban cooperation.

He says the Times appears to be "laying out the most suitable political position for its country's interests" and describes the U.S. as having "growing political, economic, financial and commercial problems."

Cuba is suffering from years of economic stagnation that the country blames on the U.S. embargo, which bars most American companies from doing business on the island. Castro last appeared in an official photo in August but regularly publishes editorial columns.