Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Friday made his first public speech since 2006, calling on all countries to give up nuclear weapons.

Castro spoke on the steps of the University of Havana before a crowd of several thousand people, mostly students.

He urged the international community to do everything possible to avoid war in the Middle East that, in his view, could turn into a global nuclear conflict.

The crowd applauded Castro, 84, clad in military uniform without badges of rank, and shouted "Viva Fidel."

"No country should possess them [nuclear weapons]," the comandante said. "Nuclear power should only be used for a good cause."

Castro spoke of the danger of international sanctions against Iran, saying the resulting conflict could spiral out of control if the United States persists with its intention to punish Iran.

The former Cuban leader called on the world to take into account Russia's opinion. "Russia is a mighty nuclear power, its opinion should not be ignored," he said.

HAVANA, September 3 (RIA Novosti)