Benjohn

HAVANA, Cuba  -- Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro accused U.S. President George W. Bush of pushing the world to the brink of World War III and widespread famine in an essay that appeared in Cuban state media Tuesday.

"The danger of a massive world famine is aggravated by Mr. Bush's recent initiative to transform foods into fuel," referring to his support for biofuel projects that convert foodstuffs like corn into fuel.

Castro said Bush was simultaneously "threatening humanity with World War III, this time with atomic weapons," but did not give any details.

The essay titled "Bush, Hunger and Death" was published a day before Bush was due to announce new initiatives on Cuba.

Last week, the White House said Bush would announce new strategies on Wednesday to promote free speech and multi-party elections on the communist island.

In Tuesday's essay, Castro said he expected Bush would announce "new measures to accelerate the 'transition period'" that he said would be "equivalent to a new conquest of Cuba by force."

The 81-year-old leader temporarily handed power over to his younger brother Raul Castro 15 months ago. Officials say he is recovering, but they have not clarified if or when Castro could resume the presidency.

Castro hasn't been seen in public since his surgery, but he has appeared in numerous videos and photos in state media.

He has also written about 60 articles called "Reflections of the Commander-in-Chief" on a broad range of international topics, often railing against the U.S. government.