NATO waging 'war of extermination' against Russia: Castro

 Cuba's former president Fidel Castro on Wednesday accused NATO of planning a "war of extermination" against Russia, in the latest echo of Cold War tensions between the West and the vestiges of the former Soviet bloc, AFP reports.

In an article published in various state media, Castro pointed a finger in particular at the western military alliance's new secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, accusing him of harboring "hatred" towards Moscow and its allies.

"Yesterday, I was listening to statements by the NATO new secretary general," he said.

"Such hatred in his face! What an incredible effort he is undertaking against the Russian Federation," the Cuban leader wrote.

Castro's comments came one week after Stoltenberg, who took up his post late last month, declared in his maiden press conference as NATO head that Russia must reverse course in Ukraine, adding that the military alliance is still eager for a constructive relationship with Moscow.

"We need to see a clear change in Russia's actions, a change which demonstrates compliance with international law and with Russia's international obligations and responsibilities," Stoltenberg told reporters last week.

In his article, titled "An Uncertain Future," Castro rejected the former Norwegian prime minister's rhetoric, deriding the military bloc as "more extremist than even Islamic State fanatics."

Since he left office in 2006 during a nearly fatal health crisis, Castro, 88, has spent his free time writing books and articles for the official press in Cuba, which now is led by his younger brother Raul.