2006年VOA标准英语-Castro Absent from Military Parade Marking His

By Sean Maroney
Washington
02 December 2006

Cuban President Fidel Castro failed to attend a military parade held in honor of his 80th birthday, increasing speculation¹ about his health.

 
Cuban tanks are seen during a military parade along the Revolution Square in Havana, 2 Dec. 2006

Mr. Castro was noticeably absent Saturday, as a massive military parade in celebration of his 80th birthday marched down the streets of Havana.  The event also marked the 50th anniversary of Mr. Castro's landing in Cuba to launch a revolution.

President Castro's younger brother, Raul, led the event, and addressed the assembled crowd, saying that Cuba is willing to negotiate its differences with the United States, as long as the discussion is based on equality and mutual² respect.

The United States says it would move to re-establish diplomatic ties with Havana and drop the long-standing U.S. trade embargo³ against Cuba if and when genuine democracy takes hold on the island.

Huge crowds of flag-waving Cubans cheered the procession of tanks and soldiers.  Several guests of honor attended the event, including Bolivian President Evo Morales.

 
Image of Fidel Castro posted on Granma web site, 5 Sept. 2006

Organizers had rescheduled the five-day birthday celebration from August after Mr. Castro underwent intestinal⁴ surgery and handed over power to his brother, Raul.

Details of the Cuban President's health are a state secret, and he has not made a public appearance since July.

The Cuban government has periodically released pictures and videos of Mr. Castro to reassure⁵ Cubans that he is still alive.

1 speculation   

n.思索，沉思；猜测；投机

参考例句：

• Her mind is occupied with speculation.她的头脑忙于思考。
• There is widespread speculation that he is going to resign.人们普遍推测他要辞职。

2 mutual   

adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的

参考例句：

• We must pull together for mutual interest.我们必须为相互的利益而通力合作。
• Mutual interests tied us together.相互的利害关系把我们联系在一起。

3 embargo   

n.禁运（令）；vt.对...实行禁运，禁止（通商）

参考例句：

• This country put an oil embargo on an enemy country.该国对敌国实行石油禁运。
• During the war,they laid an embargo on commerce with enemy countries.在战争期间，他们禁止与敌国通商。

4 intestinal   

adj.肠的；肠壁；肠道细菌

参考例句：

• A few other conditions are in high intestinal obstruction. 其它少数情况是高位肠梗阻。 来自辞典例句
• This complication has occasionally occurred following the use of intestinal antiseptics. 这种并发症偶而发生在使用肠道抗菌剂上。 来自辞典例句

5 reassure   

v.使放心，使消除疑虑

参考例句：

• This seemed to reassure him and he continued more confidently.这似乎使他放心一点，于是他更有信心地继续说了下去。
• The airline tried to reassure the customers that the planes were safe.航空公司尽力让乘客相信飞机是安全的。