Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro says he distrusts the United States, despite a diplomatic thaw between the two countries.

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro says he distrusts the United States, despite a diplomatic thaw between the two countries.

In a letter, he wrote: "I don't trust the policy of the US, nor have I exchanged a word with them, but this does not mean I reject a peaceful solution to conflicts."

These were his first comments since December's historic move by Havana and Washington after more than half a century of adversity.

In the letter published by the state-run newspaper Granma, Mr Castro wrote: "We will always defend cooperation and friendship with all the people of the world, including with our political adversaries," the BBC reported.

The 88-year-old appeared to be backing decisions taking by his younger brother Raul - the current Cuban president who succeeded him in 2008.

The Cuban president, the letter stated, "has taken the pertinent steps in accordance with his prerogatives and the powers given to him by the National Assembly the Communist Party of Cuba".