Fidel Castro Surprises at Cuba Parliament Opening

Cuba's leader Fidel Castro (l) and his brother President Raul Castro attend the opening session of the National Assembly in Havana, Feb. 24, 2012.

Retired Cuban leader Fidel Castro made a rare public appearance at the opening session of the National Assembly in Havana.

Assembly members gave Castro a standing ovation as he arrived alongside his brother, President Raul Castro, who is expected to be named to a new five-year term.

The 81-year-old president raised speculation Friday about a possible retirement suggesting that he had plans to resign at some point.

Castro, who replaced his ailing brother Fidel in 2008, has called for two five-year terms for Communist Party and government leaders. This would be his second term in office.

During his first term, Castro presided over a limited reforms that included the gradual easing of restrictions on travel and personal property.