Castro resigns as president

Hello on this Tuesday, the 19 day of February 2008. I'm Kristin Volk with a UPI Headline Update.

Fidel Castro is reportedly stepping down as president of Cuba. That's according to a letter he published in a state-run newspaper. Castro says his critical health condition is the main reason for his resignation. The 81-year-old commander in chief was treated for intestinal problems two years ago. Cuban leaders plan to elect a president in the next few days. Castro's brother, Raul, has been publicly named as his successor.

Early poll results indicate the rival party of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has won in yesterday's parliamentary election. The opposition parties of assassinated former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif appear to have grabbed the majority of votes. As results trickled in, thousands of ecstatic Pakistanis took to the streets, waving signs and singing. Musharraf has said he would accept the results and work with the winner to build democracy in the country.

Senator John McCain got a President's Day endorsement from former President George Bush. Bush defended the Arizona senator's conservative positions, calling any attacks on his record absurd and grossly unfair. Many conservatives oppose McCain's stance on issues like immigration and campaign finance. McCain responded to the former president's backing, saying his endorsement would help him enormously to unite the party and move forward.

For many yesterday, it was just a day off from work. But for others, it was a day to celebrate George Washington's birthday. Mount Vernon, which is home to Washington's estate, held a number of events, including tours and a wreath-laying ceremony to honor America's first president. Washington would have been 276 years old.

Thanks for watching today's news headline, and check out our feature stories and White House wrap-ups in the video section of upi.com.

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[TheTestTubeMinds]

and every problem in world ends with fags blaming AMERICA. You have it to easy you fucking noob. you havn't a clue bitch. Why do i use such words because your are not worth the moment it takes to pull the trigger

[drshafique]

to end terrorism ameican should support democracy in pakistan.musharaf is worst than castro.also pakistani showed that they are democratic loving people,but republican looks like insisting upon turning pakistan into another iraq for election purposes. also because it is cheaper too.war in iraq is costing a lot while it is done on peanuts in pakistan.

[drshafique]

To end terrorism A