First walk for Castro after fall

Castro walked across the hall and up stairs, aided by a young girl

Cuban President Fidel Castro has walked for the first time in public since fracturing his knee two months ago.

Aided by a young girl, Mr Castro walked stiffly into a National Assembly meeting to the surprise of lawmakers, who cheered "Long live Fidel!"

Mr Castro tripped and fell after giving a speech on 20 October, shattering his left kneecap into eight pieces and fracturing his right arm.

The fall renewed speculation about the future of the island after Mr Castro.

He has ruled for 46 years, making him the world's longest ruling head of government and one of the longest ruling heads of state.

Show of strength

Wearing his olive-green military uniform, Mr Castro walked into the end-of-year session to the cheers and applause of hundreds of lawmakers.

He walked across the width of the hall, up a small flight of stairs to the main stage, and sat down next to his brother and designated successor, Defence Minister Raul Castro.

Television cameras captured the moment the Cuban leader fell

Correspondents suggest Mr Castro may be keen to dispel any suggestion that his hold on power is ebbing.

Just five days after the fall, he appeared on television for two hours, when he joked that Cubans should "take care descending the stairs".

He stood briefly in public a month ago to receive Chinese President Hu Jintao, and then for several moments during a visit by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez last week.

Get-well messages were sent to Mr Castro from high-profile friends around the world.

Film director Oliver Stone joked Mr Castro could play the role of "Superman's grandfather" for his speedy recovery, according to AP news agency.