FACTBOX: Main events in Castro's health crisis

HAVANA (Reuters) - Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who has not appeared in public for over a year, was interviewed on Cuban state television on Friday, ending recent speculation that he might have died.

It was the first time the 81-year-old revolutionary had been shown since an interview broadcast on June 5.

Here are some events in Castro's health crisis:

July 31, 2006 - Cuba announces that Fidel Castro had undergone complicated surgery to stop intestinal bleeding and was provisionally handing over power to his brother Raul.

September 4, 2006 - Castro says he lost 41 pounds (20 kg) in a statement that warns Cubans his recovery will take time.

October 28, 2006 - Cubans are shocked by video images showing Castro looking weak and walking with difficulty.

December 2, 2006 - Castro fails to show up at military parade and other celebrations of his postponed birthday, fueling speculation he was dying.

December 26, 2006 - Dr. Jose Luis Garcia Sabrido, a Spanish surgeon who examined Castro, says the Cuban leader did not have cancer and is recovering from intestinal illness.

December 30, 2006 - In a New Year message to Cubans, Castro says his recovery is "far from being a lost battle."

January 15, 2007 - Spanish newspaper El Pais reports that Castro had three failed operations to treat diverticulitis, or inflamed bulges in his large intestine.

January 30, 2007 - A six-minute video shows Castro had put on weight, but still looked frail, during a meeting with Chavez in Havana. Castro is seen taking a sip of orange juice.

February 27, 2007 - Castro talks and jokes on live Venezuelan radio show with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, says he feels stronger, has more energy.

March 29, 2007 - Castro's byline appears on a Granma newspaper article attacking Bush administration biofuels plans - the first of many essays.

June 5, 2007 - Castro appears, looking healthier in 52-minute interview on Cuban state television taped the day before.

September 21, 2007 - Castro appears in one-hour taped interview on Cuban state television.

(Additional reporting by Michael Christie in Miami)