(CNN) -- In case anyone questioned the permanence of Fidel Castro's recent return to the national stage, this should answer doubts: The former Cuban leader has called the National Assembly into special session Saturday.
For four years, Castro kept out of sight as he recuperated from a life-threatening intestinal illness that required multiple surgeries.
He temporarily ceded power to younger brother Raul in July 2006 and resigned as president in February 2008. He wrote a column called "Reflections" while recuperating and sometimes would be seen in photos when a foreign dignitary like Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez would visit.
But that was all. He was mostly out of sight, if not forgotten.
That reclusive lifestyle ended in mid-July, when photographs of Castro visiting the National Center of Scientific Investigations surfaced on a pro-government blog. A few days later, Castro appeared on a Cuban TV show called "Roundtable".
Since then, he has made several public appearances, including at an unveiling ceremony for his latest book, "The Strategic Victory".
Now Castro, who turns 84 on August 13, has called the National Assembly into special session. The assembly will discuss world affairs, in particular what Castro views as an imminent nuclear war involving the United States, Iran and North Korea. Castro has dwelt on that topic since resurfacing last month.
There is widespread speculation that Castro will attend the session and might even speak, though none of that had been confirmed Friday. CNN
