Fidel Castro retires after 49 years in power. Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro said in a statement on Feb.19.that he would not return to lead the country as president or commander in-chief. retiring as head of state 49 years after he seized power in an armed revolution.Castro,81,who had not appeared in public for almost 19 months after undergoing stomach surgery. said in a message to the communist nation that he would not seek a new presidential term. when the National Assembly met on Feb. 24.Castro's retirement draws the curtain on a political career that spanned the Cold War and survived U.S. enmity. assassination plots by the CIA and the demise of Soviet bloc communism. A charismatic leader famous for his long speeches delivered in his green military fatigues. Castro is admired in the Third World for standing up to the United States. but considered by his opponents a tyrant who suppressed freedom. U.S. and European powers recognize Kosovo. The United States and major European powers led international moves to recognize Kosovo's independence on Feb. 18.prompting Serbia to recall its ambassador to Washington in protest.