Venezuela's Maduro says he met Fidel Castro in Cuba

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Thursday that he had visited Cuba and met retired leader Fidel Castro, considered one of his leftist mentors. Maduro, whose country is facing a severe economic crisis, said his talk with the ailing Castro focused on global issues. "I made the most of Tuesday's day of carnival and I visited Comandante Fidel Castro, who sends his greetings to all the people of Venezuela," Maduro said during lengthy comments broadcast publicly. The embattled Venezuelan leader often makes known his Cuban trips only once he's returned home. More…