Cuba's ailing communist leader, Fidel Castro, has said he has a duty not to hold on to power or obstruct the rise of younger people.
Correspondents say the statement read on state TV is the first suggestion that the 81-year-old president may give up his position in Cuba's leadership.
Last year he handed over power to his brother Raul on a temporary basis.
Since then, he has not made a public appearance - although the government has released pictures of Mr Castro.