Fidel Castro appears in first photographs since August

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro talks to President of Cuba's University Students Federation (FEU) Randy Perdomo during a meeting in Havana in this picture provided by Cubadebate. Photographs of Castro, 88, appeared in official media on February 2, 2015 for the first time since August, showing him slightly hunched over while seated, but appearing animated as he spoke with the student leader. The pictures of Castro with Perdomo were taken on January 23, 2015 according to Perdomo's account. [Photo/Agencies]

HAVANA - Photographs of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, 88, appeared in official media on Monday for the first time since August, showing him slightly hunched over while seated, but appearing animated as he spoke with a student leader.

Speculation over Castro's health has intensified since the historic Dec 17 announcement by his younger brother, and current president, Raul Castro, and US President Barack Obama, that the two longtime adversaries would restore diplomatic ties.

Castro, who periodically writes a column, went silent after the announcement until finally commenting a week ago, when he offered support for the pact his brother reached with Obama.

The pictures of Castro with student leader Randy Perdomo were taken on Jan 23, according to Perdomo's account, which appeared with the photos on the website of the Communist Party newspaper Granma on Monday night.

Granma published 21 pictures of the two men talking, with Castro in various poses of engaged conversation, viewing a video and flipping through a newspaper.

A Brazilian theologian who met Castro last week said the former leader was in good health, appearing skinny but lucid.