Fidel Castro's article in support of the runner-up in Mexico's 2006 presidential election threatens to revive diplomatic tensions between Cuba and Mexico.
Mexican political analysts say the diplomatic spat may again delay the visit of the Mexican president to Cuba, expected to take place by the end of this year.
In his column on the Cuba Debate website, headlined 'The giant with the seven-league boots,' Castro doubts the legitimacy of the current Mexican leader, Felipe Calderon.
The Cuban revolutionary leader, who turned 84 on Friday, suggests the 2006 runoff, in which Calderon came only 0.57% ahead of his leftist rival Lopez Obrador, was rigged.
"Obrador went to the polls and defeated the candidate nominated by the National Action party, but the [U.S.] empire did not allow him to take office," Fidel said.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry rejected the information in a statement on Saturday.
"The Mexican government denies statements by ex-president Fidel Castro, in which he questions the legitimacy of the incumbent leadership and the choice... made by the people," the ministry said.
The ministry also expressed hope that the Cuban people will be entitled to "have free elections to vote for their representatives and that human rights be fully respected in the island."
Castro's Reflections column reflects his thoughts on global political events and is usually full of praise for his allies, but critical of U.S. leaders.
MEXICO, August 15 (RIA Novosti)
