Death And State Funeral Of Fidel Castro

Former first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and president of the Council of State, Fidel Castro died of natural causes in his sleep at 22:29 ( CST) on the evening of 25 November 2016, at the age of 90. His brother, Raúl Castro, who was
president of the Council of State at the time, announced Fidel's death on state television. One of the most controversial political leaders of his era, Castro both inspired and dismayed people across the world during his lifetime. The London ''Observer'' stated that the only thing that his "enemies and admirers" agreed upon was that he was "a towering figure" in world affairs who "transformed a small Caribbean island into a major force in world affairs". ''The Daily Telegraph'' noted that across the world he was "either praised as a brave champion of the people, or derided as a power-mad dictator." Castro's body was cremated and his ashes were interred in Santiago de Cuba on 4 December 2016, and hundreds of thousands of Cubans commemorated the event.

Background

Between 2006 and 2007, Castro had 3 intestinal surgeries for diverticulitis. In April 2016, Castro told the Communist Party: "I'll be 90 years old soon. Soon, I'll be like all the others. The time will come for all of us. Still, the ideas of the Cuban communists will remain as proof on this planet that if they are worked at with fervor and dignity, they can produce the material and cultural goods that human beings need, and we need to fight without a truce to obtain them." In February 2016, his older brother Ramón died at the age of 91.

Castro's death was expected in South Florida, with media and governments expecting and hoping that it would cause chaotic celebrations and regime change plans. The city of Miami had planned to open the Miami Orange Bowl for celebrations; schools might have dismissed early; and police and government officials might have blocked boat piers to prevent Cuban exile from trying to invade the island. The ''Miami Herald'' created a "Cuba plan" more than 20 years before Castro's death; as much as 60 pages in length, it included multiple newspaper extras and reporters joining the United States Coast Guard as it handled the expected large number of refugees fleeing the island. Its journalists prepared to enter Cuba surreptitiously; employees knew that Castro's death would interrupt any vacation or weekend. After Raúl Castro became the country's leader and visiting Cuba became easier, such plans became less important.

Funeral

Following Castro's death, it was announced by his brother Raúl Castro, who also announced that Castro's body would be cremated. The cremation was a private affair, with only state and party officials attending together with Fidel's family and friends.

The casket carrying his ashes then lay in state for Cubans to pay homage to Castro at the José Martí Memorial in Havana on 28 and 29 November. A memorial rally then took place at the Plaza de la Revolución at 19:00 on 29 November in which President Raúl Castro, as well as various world leaders who were allies of Castro paid tribute, including the presidents of Panama, Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela and South Africa, along with the prime minister of Greece and leaders of a host of smaller countries in Africa. From 29 November to 3 December the casket carrying his ashes travelled along a 900 kilometres route to Santiago de Cuba, tracing in reverse the route of the "Freedom Caravan" of January 1959 in which Castro and his rebels took power. At one point, the jeep broke down and had to be pushed by attending soldiers.

On 3 December at 19:00, another mass gathering took place at Plaza Antonio Maceo in Santiago de Cuba, with Raúl and other foreign leaders and dignitaries. People waved the flag of Cuba and sang the national anthem. Raúl Castro said in a final speech that Castro showed it was "possible to firmly maintain the inalienable principles of our sovereignty without fear to the nuclear blackmail of the United States during those days of the missile crisis in October 1962." He further added that images and statues of Castro will not be displayed in public places and roads will not be named after him. "The leader of the revolution strongly opposed any manifestation of cult of personality." and again paid tribute to Fidel. The next day, 4 December at 7:00, the interment of Castro's ashes occurred in a private ceremony in Santa Ifigenia Cemetery in Santiago de Cuba, where Cuban national hero José Martí is also buried. As a camouflage-green hearse went to the cemetery, mourners lined the streets and cheered "Viva Fidel!" and "Yo Soy, Fidel!" A secretly constructed tomb was also at the venue. Final events occurred as a 21-gun salute was fired and the ashes, in a coffin wrapped in Cuban flag, disappeared from public view as television cameras and journalists were not allowed inside, save for cameramen from the Sistema Informativo de la Televisión, which provided the live coverage for television channels islandwide.

Foreign dignitaries attending the state funeral

Most states sent delegations led by high or mid-ranking officials to the funeral; many African and Latin American states sent delegations led by presidents or prime ministers. The funeral was attended by 30 heads of state and government, two multilateral leaders and eight former leaders.

UK Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn was scheduled to attend as part of his country's delegation. However, his attendance was later denied. U.S. preacher and civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson spoke at a memorial for Castro in Havana. Others in attendance included Hollywood's Danny Glover and Argentine football player Diego Maradona, who said: "I feel Cuban."

Other memorials

Memorials in Castro's names were conducted in places outside Cuba:

Algeria declared eight days of mourning; Bolivia decreed seven days of national mourning; Equatorial Guinea decreed three days of national mourning; Nicaragua decreed nine days of national mourning; North Korea declared a period of mourning for three days; and Venezuela decreed three days of national mourning., Namibia declared a period of mourning for three days Uruguay, Vietnam, Angola decreed one day of national mourning; Trinidad and Tobago decreed that the national flag be flown at half-mast for one day; while Haiti decreed three days of mourning; and Dominica declared national mourning for Castro. The Sahrawi Republic government declared three days of mourning.

In Venezuela, a ceremony was held at Mountain Barrack, where President Nicolas Maduro told a crowd on 27 November: "Men and women of this great Latin American and Caribbean homeland! Fidel and (Hugo) Chavez, who are already together there in the heaven of the just, are more future than anything else in the battles we are going to fight today. And I am sure they have only one destiny: the definitive victory of their ideas. Long live the eternal memory of Fidel Castro. Long live the example of the martyrs. Long live the legacy of Hugo Chavez." In Bolivia, President Evo Morales spoke at Ivirgarzama in Cochabamba saying that Castro's fight had not been for Cuban and Latin American people alone, but "for the people of the world who fight for their liberation." He further gave tribute to "a human being" who "gave his life for the people of the world." In Quito, Ecuador, the statue of Castro was a focal point as people also congregated outside the National Theater in tribute. Mourners also signed a book of condolences at the Cuban embassy, while a concert was organised outside the House of Culture, where Castro had once visited.

About 500 people also gathered at the Cuban embassy in Mexico City. Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, who was the last head of state to meet Castro in Cuba, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc paid their respects at the Cuban embassy in Hanoi on 28 November in commemoration of Castro. Hundreds of other Vietnamese people attended the ceremony and brought flowers to the embassy too. In Cape Town, mourners reflected of Castro's anti-apartheid solidarity with Nelson Mandela.

Death announcement

President Raúl Castro somberly announced on national television: "The commander in chief of the Cuban revolution had passed away peacefully at 22:29 ( CST) this evening." He recalled at the end of his speech: "¡Hasta la victoria siempre!" ("Towards victory, always!")

The Council of State of the Republic of Cuba declared nine days of national mourning from 06:00 on 26 November until 12:00 on 4 December. A statement read: "During the mourning period, all public events and activities will cease, the national flag will fly at half-mast on public buildings and at military facilities and television and radio will broadcast informative, patriotic and historical programmes." This included the postponement of the grand military parade to mark the 60th anniversary of the landing of the yacht '' Granma'' and Armed Forces Day in Havana's Plaza de la Revolucion by a month from 2 December to 2 January 2017. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla suspended a visit to the United Arab Emirates.

The Cuban Embassy in the United States made an announcement in writing: "Until forever, Commander! This No. 25, at 10:29 p.m. the Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz passed away." It also posted an image that read: "Hasta Siempre, Comandante."

Reactions

International

Supranational

* – President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker issued a statement in which conveyed condolences to Castro's family and the people of Cuba. He pointed out that the death of Castro meant that the world has lost a man who was a hero for many but whose legacy will be judged by history. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said that Castro was "a man of determination and an historical figure" and that his death came as Cuba faced "times of great challenges and uncertainties." She added that relations would continue to grow.
* – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan: "At this time of national mourning, I offer the support of the United Nations to work alongside the people of the island. Under former President Castro, Cuba made advances in the fields of education literacy and health. I hope that Cuba will continue to advance on a path of reform and greater prosperity. He left a major imprint on his country and on global politics. His revolutionary ideals left few indifferent. He was a strong voice for social justice in global discussions at the UN General Assembly and international and regional forums."
: 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly President Peter Thomson issued a statement that read: "Fidel Castro was one of the iconic leaders of the 20th century. With a great love for his homeland and the Cuban people, he dedicated his life to their welfare and development. A tireless advocate for equity in the international arena, Fidel Castro was an inspirational figure for developing countries in particular. His dedication to their advancement, especially in the fields of education and health, will be long remembered." Later, on 29 November, he led the UNGA into marking a minute of silence in memory of Castro.
:*Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued a statement that read: "Today I mourn the loss of a friend, the late Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Securing the welfare of the Cuban people and ensuring the independence of his nation shaped much of Fidel Castro's thinking and many of his actions. Whether one shared his political views or disagreed with them, Fidel Castro was one of Latin America's most remarkable leaders. In the course of his long life he overcame countless adversities and rarely chose the easy and comfortable path. I met Fidel Castro many times over the years and came to appreciate his extraordinary intellect, sharp mind, and his ability to engage in constructive dialogue. Farewell Fidel."

States

;Africa
* – President Abdelaziz Bouteflika expressed his condolences and stated that the "people of Algeria ..have a special relationship with El Commandante, made of respect, admiration and mutual affection." An eight-day national mourning period was announced.
* – President José Eduardo dos Santos expressing his condolences and added Castro was a figure "of transcendent historical importance, who left his mark on his era by the role he played in his country and in the great transformation of humanity, for the sake of freedom, social justice and development." He further expressed his gratitude for "the solidarity that Cuba offered to the struggle of colonised peoples, in particular to the Angolan people;" he further pointed out Cuba's contribution to Angola's "sovereignty and territorial integrity" in resistance to " the aggression of the then racist regime of South Africa."
* – President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré expressed condolences to the Cuban people "at the death of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro."
* – President Pierre Nkurunziza offered his condolences to Raúl Castro and the people of Cuba. He also saluted Castro as a "great leader."
* – President Jorge Carlos Fonseca expressed his "deep condolences" to Raúl Castro and the Cuban people. He added that Castro was both a "controversial figure" and "charismatic leader" who "led one of the most important revolutions of the twentieth century...that had an impact not only in Cuba but also in Latin America and other African and Asian countries." He also praised Castro's work in building the relationship between Cape Verde and Cuba and for the aid of Cuban health workers in Cape Verde post-independence.
* – President Denis Sassou Nguesso sent a condolence letter to his Cuban counterpart in which he praised Castro's as an "emblematic figure of the peoples' emancipation" and who had devoted himself to "the triumph of noble causes." He further stressing Castro's contribution to the liberation struggle of African countries.
* – President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, in a letter, expressed his condolences to Raúl Castro and the Cuban people. He defined Castro as "a symbol of struggle and defending the issues of developing countries."
* – President Teodoro Obiang said that he shared with Castro "a personal friendship and political ideas."
* – President Mulatu Teshome:"Castro was a friend of Ethiopia who helped it in its struggle to defend its territorial integrity." Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said that Castro "will be remembered forever."
* – President Ali Bongo Ondimba expressed condolences to the Cuban people.
* – President Yahya Jammeh suspended his re-election campaign to mourn Castro's death.
* – President John Dramani Mahama wrote: "Comrade Fidel Castro will forever remain in our hearts and minds – he helped shape the world!"
* – President Uhuru Kenyatta praised Castro as "a legendary freedom fighter" and stated: "Fidel Castro successfully led a revolution inspired by his devout vision of a free, equitable and prosperous Cuba. His success did not stop at the revolution; his government proceeded to successfully implement social policies which have continued to bestow the benefits of the best social services for all Cubans. ��We are now left with his legacy and an obligation to continue the struggle for the economic liberation of the South, reform of international governance to reflect our diversity and sovereign aspirations, and an end to exclusion and marginalization of nations and peoples".
**Leader of the Opposition Raila Odinga praised Castro as "a great friend and true friend of Africa and other parts of the world that had to fight long and bitter wars to attain freedom from colonialism." Noting Castro's outspoken opposition to apartheid in South Africa, he described him as "a source of inspiration and courage for all those who value and fought for freedom. I send heartfelt and deep condolences to his family and to the people of Cuba."
* – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf lamented, in a message to the Cuban government, the "irreparable loss" of the "historic leader and ideologist of the Cuban Revolution."
* – President Peter Mutharika expressed "his most deep and sincere condolences" to his Cuban counterpart, the Cuban government and the Cuban people.
* – President Filipe Nyusi sent a message to Raúl Castro where he expressed his condolences "to the heroic brotherly people of Cuba" for the passing of "one of the greatest political icons from our time, whose impact and recognition go beyond Cuba and extend towards the whole world and all mankind." He said Castro's contributions to Mozambican independence and social progress are "a valued legacy which will be passed on to the future generations."
* – President Hage Geingob wrote: "The death of #Fidel signals the end of an era. Our comrade is no more but his revolutionary legacy will remain with Namibia forever." He included three pictures of when the two leaders had met at an unknown date.
* – President Muhammadu Buhari wrote: "I received with sadness the news of the death of Fidel Castro. My deepest condolences to the Government and people of Cuba. Fidel Castro was a great friend to Africa, to countries in the Global South and to the Non-Aligned Movement. His place in history is assured, given his sustained successful commitment and towering role in the liberation and anti-colonialism struggles in Africa."
* – President Paul Kagame wrote: "RIP Fidel Castro, tenacious fighter who lived a full liberation life & condolences to the resilient people of Cuba."
* – President Brahim Ghali sent a message of condolences to his Cuban counterpart. He wrote: "It is with deep regret and sorrow that we learned the news of the death of president and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro". He declared a national mourning for three days.
* – President Jacob Zuma expressed his condolences to the government and people of Cuba and noted that Castro "inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid" and "as a way of paying homage to the memory of President Castro, the strong bonds of solidarity, cooperation and friendship that exist between South Africa and Cuba must be maintained and nurtured."
**The Nelson Mandela Foundation sent condolences to the people and government of Cuba.
* – President John Magufuli expressed his and the Tanzanian people's "deepest sympathies ��to the people of Cuba."
* – President Yoweri Museveni called Castro "a friend, brother and leader" and expressed his condolences to the Cuban people.
* – President Edgar Lungu expressed condolences to Raúl Castro and the Cuban people "on the loss of an iconic and great leader."
* – President Robert Mugabe praised Fidel Castro "for fighting for his people and standing up against heAmerican blockade." Upon arriving at Castro's funeral, he said: "Fidel wasn't just your leader, Fidel was the leader of all revolutionaries."

;Americas

* – Prime Minister Gaston Browne praised Castro for his government's generosity to other Caribbean countries, in particular in providing training to their future "doctors, civil engineers, architects, computer science engineers, and other professionals." He stated: "The world has lost a great man; the Caribbean has lost a fertile mind and a very worthy leader who was deeply loved by his own people".
* – President Mauricio Macri wrote that he expresses his "condolences to the Cuban government." Vice-President Gabriela Michetti also expressed her condolences "to the government and all the Cuban people." Foreign minister Susana Malcorra echoed Michetti's expression and further considered that Castro's passing "closes an important chapter of Latin American history." She added that "Fidel's death has a very important impact in the Cuban people, both in those in favor and in those against im" A Foreign Ministry statement mentioned Castro's "relevant role in the history of the 20th century" and added Argentina's recognition for his "unconditional and permanent support on the Malvinas question."
**Former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner issued a short statement published on social networks: "Fidel and Cuba are definitively entering Big History. Together with his people, e wasan example of dignity and sovereignty." She added expressions of sympathy for Castro's next of kin, including "Dalia, his partner." Fernández later wrote an op-ed for '' Página/12'' in which she recalled her personal relationship with Castro and characterised him as a "universal legend" and "the last of moderns, the last of global world leaders from before the fall of the Berlin Wall, ..men and women ho hadideas, programmes, and clear and precise compromises, who had their focus on politics as a driving force for transformation, almost incunabula in these times of postmodernity and liquid age." She also visited the Cuban embassy to pay her respects.
* – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart issued a statement that read: "The death of the former President of the Republic of Cuba marks the passing of an indomitable figure who changed the course of history in his country and the region. Fidel Castro Ruz represents as few others do, a symbol of anti-imperialism and continuous struggle for independence. He inspired many revolutionaries around the world to fight for their ideals. His support for the anti-apartheid struggle is a dimension of his legacy that will not be forgotten. ��We lsorecall his defence of environmental security, a principle that we share. Our relationship with Mr Castro demonstrated that differences in ideology do not have to impede fruitful and constructive relations".
* – Prime Minister Dean Barrow said: "Fidel was a giant, a titan. His life of sacrifice and undeniable dedication not only to Cuba but to the entire Third World makes him an imposing world figure. Fidel taught us the true meaning of courage and resistance in the pursuit of victory even in the worst circumstances. Like no one, Fidel represented the spirit of the Cuban nation and was the living example of patriotism and the struggle of its people for independence. Belize joins the rest of the Caribbean and the world in tribute to Fidel and his historical legacy."
* – President Evo Morales said that he was "deeply saddened. Fidel asthe only man in the world with so many principles and so many values. He made so much history not only for Cuba, but also for the planet. That is socialism. There will never again be a man or comrade like Fidel, who devoted his life, his knowledge and his struggle not only to the Cuban people but to all the people of the world."
* – President Michel Temer issued a statement that read: "Fidel Castro was a man of convictions. He marked the second half of the 20th century with a firm defense of the ideas he believed in."
** Former President Lula da Silva published an article on his personal website where he praised Castro as "the greatest of all Latin-Americans" and called him "a friend and a comrade." He added that "for the peoples of our continent and workers from the poorest countries, especially for the men and women of my generation, Fidel was always a voice of struggle and hope." He considered that Castro's "combative and caring spirit encouraged dreams of freedom, sovereignty and equality."
** Former President Dilma Rousseff defined Castro as "one of the most influential political expressions of the 20th century, visionary who believed in the construction of a fraternal and fair society, without hunger nor exploitation, in a strong and united Latin America." She finished her note with an unnamed poem from German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht's play '' The Mother''. It is roughly translated as "Those who are weak do not fight. / Those who are stronger might fight for an hour. / Those who are stronger still might fight for many years. / The strongest fight their whole life. / They are the indispensable ones."
* – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his condolences and said of Castro that he was a "legendary revolutionary and orator." He added: "It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of Cuba's longest serving president. Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century. ��Mr Castro made significant improvements to the education and healthcare of his island nation. While a controversial figure, both Mr Castro's supporters and detractors recognise his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for 'El Comandante'. ��We join the people of Cuba today in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader." He added that "I know my father was very proud to call him a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away. It was also a real honour to meet his three sons and his brother, president Raúl Castro, during my recent visit to Cuba. On behalf of all Canadians, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and many, many supporters of Mr Castro."
* – President Michelle Bachelet wrote: "My condolences to President Raúl Castro for the death of Fidel, a leader for dignity and social justice in Cuba and Latin America."
* – President Juan Manuel Santos said: "We regret the death of Fidel Castro. We accompany his brother Raúl and his family at this time. Our solidarity with the Cuban people. Fidel Castro acknowledged at the end of his days that armed struggle was not the way. This contributed to ending the Colombian conflict."
** FARC Commander Rodrigo Londoño Echeverri ('' a.k.a.'' Timochenko) wrote: "He's left us as one of the great men of the Americas and the world. Eternal glory to his memory! Long live Fidel." FARC's chief negotiator in the recently signed peace agreement, hosted by Cuba, Ivan Marquez wrote that Castro was "the most admirable revolutionary of the 20th century. He has left his own trail of humanity in the sky. Thank you Fidel for your immense love of Colombia. May the peace agreement in Havana be our last homage."
* – President Luis Guillermo Solís said: "I express to the people and Government of Cuba my condolences on the death of Commander of the Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz."
* – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit praised Castro's "very long and positive impact on the entire world" and his generosity and his commitment to people's freedom around the world. He announced flags would be flown at half-mast until Castro's funeral.
* – President Danilo Medina sent a letter to Raúl Castro in which he wrote Fidel Castro "made priesthood of the exercise of politics" and had "a long life devoted to defending the wishes of his people and the world." Medina expressed his condolences to Castro's closest relatives, as well as to "the government and the brotherly Cuban people, joining ourselves to the worldwide expressions of solidarity."
* – President Rafael Correa wrote: "He was a great one. Fidel is dead. Long live Cuba! Long live Latin America!" He added: "Fidel accomplished his mission, liberating his beloved Cuba and giving proof that another world is possible" and also defined Castro as "probably the most influential Latin American from the 20th century."
* – President Salvador Sánchez Cerén issued a statement that read his government expressed "eternal gratitude" to Castro, an "eternal friend," as well as to the Cuban people for help "in the most difficult times." Which was read by the media as a reference to Cuba's support during the Salvadoran Civil War to Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front. It added that Castro's "example will live forever in our struggles and will flower in the noble ideas of new generations."
* – Prime Minister Keith Mitchell described Castro as "a consistent friend of the Grenadian people" and recalled that Cuba had "selflessly helped educate thousands of our current professionals, particularly in the field of medicine" despite "immeasurable hostility" from the United States. He added that Castro had also helped Grenada build the Maurice Bishop International Airport, thus making Cuba "the great godfather of Grenada's present development. And we can now ensure that astro'slegacy will endure, and his contribution to make the world better will always be remembered."
* – President Jimmy Morales expressed "deep sadness" at the death of Castro and said that he was a "historic leader of the Cuban Revolution." He added: "The people and government of Guatemala will never forget Fidel Castro for being a friend who gave sa hand when we needed it the most."
* – Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo called Castro an "international gift to humanity" and called "his and Cuba's contribution to humanity and the Caribbean...unmatched by any other nation in terms of brotherly and sisterly relations."
* – President Jocelerme Privert expressed his deepest condolences and extended to all the Cuban people.
* – President Juan Orlando Hernández wrote: "Our condolences to President Raúl Castro, the Government and the Cuban people for the death of Commander Fidel Castro."
* – Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a statement which read Castro "will go down in the annals of history as one of the leaders who, though coming from a Caribbean island developing state, has had the greatest impact on world history. Many Jamaicans still vividly remember his visits to Jamaica and his passionate speeches in defence of the right to self-determination." He further noted that Castro's "building of excellent education and health systems in Cuba, has become an outstanding model for the world" and "the people of Jamaica remain deeply appreciative of the significant contribution that Cuban medical personnel continue to make to the Jamaica health services." A parallel article from the official ''Jamaica Information Service'' highlighted that Castro was "a friend of Jamaica" whose government assisted Jamaica in healthcare, education and sports. It also read Castro "was praised as an intellectual, with a strong commitment to self-reliance and programmes that contribute to the social and economic development of countries in the region."
** Leader of the Opposition Portia Simpson Miller issued a statement that read she considered meeting Castro as "one of the great honours of my life." She added that Castro "dedicated his whole life to the struggle for Cuba's social and economic revolution and the liberation of the Cuban people from poverty, landlessness, housing insecurity, ignorance and ill-health. ..Despite the injustice of a decades-old economic embargo, Fidel Castro steered his country towards economic self-sufficiency and boldly asserted Cuba's political independence and national pride." She also highlighted the importance of Castro's government and Cuban people's willingness "to share their modest resources and social successes with the rest of the world, in particular, other less developed countries in the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa," including Jamaica.
* – President Enrique Peña Nieto said that Castro was a friend of Mexico, who had promoted bilateral relationships based on "respect, dialogue and solidarity. He added: "I lament the passing of Fidel Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban revolution and emblem of the 20th century."
* – President Daniel Ortega looked back at Castro as a man who "moralised the entire atin Americanregion after decades of oppression" and was "instrumental in the liberation of several countries." He further thanked Cuba for having helped develop a national campaign to bring literacy to the poor in Nicaragua and he promised Nicaragua would "continue to wage the battles for justice, peace and freedom, inspired by the living thought of Fidel. Long live Cuba, long live Fidel!"
* – President Juan Carlos Varela expressed his condolences to the people and government.
* – The Foreign Ministry offered its condolences.
* – President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski expressed his "most sincere condolences to the Cuban government and people at this very sad time; we salute the memory of the remembered Fidel Castro."
**Former President Ollanta Humala said: "Fidel, a revolutionary, has left. A friend of solidarity of Peru and Latin America. My condolences and those of Nadine, to all the Cuban people."
* – Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves stated that Castro had been a "good friend" to his country. During an official reception, he marked a minute of silence as a gesture of respect, along with Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne and Prince Harry, fifth in line to the country's throne, and who was visiting Saint Vincent at the time.
* – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley expressed his condolences and said that Castro's death marked the end "of an iconic period of history not only for the Caribbean and Latin American region, but also for the world." He further indicated that "on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, it is with great sadness that I extend deepest condolences to the Government and people of Cuba and to his family on the passing of former President, Fidel Castro, who was one of the world's longest serving leaders."
**Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar recalled Castro's "humble beginnings," his will to "reject the dominance of his island by foreign capitalist interests" and his "enduring legacy" in improving the lives of the Cuban people: "He nationalised and redistributed land and implemented programs to raise literacy and education among the poor rural population. He also created a free universal health care system."
* – The White House issued a statement that read: "We extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people. We know that this moment fills Cubans – in Cuba and in the United States – with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation. History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him." It further noted that the " relationship between the United States and Cuba was marked by discord and profound political disagreements. During my presidency, we have worked hard to put the past behind us, pursuing a future in which the relationship between our two countries is defined not by our differences but by the many things that we share as neighbors and friends – bonds of family, culture, commerce, and common humanity. This engagement includes the contributions of Cuban Americans, who have done so much for our country and who care deeply about their loved ones in Cuba." The embassy lowered its flag to half-mast in a show of respect.
**Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R- KY) said: "While Fidel Castro is gone, sadly the oppression that was the hallmark of his era is not." Meanwhile, half Cuban-American Senator Ted Cruz (R- TX) said: "Fidel Castro's death cannot bring back his thousands of victims, nor can it bring comfort to their families. Today we remember them and honor the brave souls who fought the lonely fight against the brutal Communist dictatorship he imposed on Cuba." Other Cuban-Americans, Senator Marco Rubio (R- FL) said history will remember Castro as an "evil, murderous dictator. Fidel Castro seized power promising to bring freedom and prosperity to Cuba, but his communist regime turned it into an impoverished island prison. Over six decades, millions of Cubans were forced to flee their own country, and those accused of opposing the regime were routinely jailed and even killed." He added that he hoped President Barack Obama sends "no one" to the funeral. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) wrote on Twitter: "We must seize the moment and help write a new chapter in the history of #Cuba; that of a Cuba that is free, democratic, and prosperous." Although, she added that with Raúl Castro still in charge, change would be unlikely. She added: "A tyrant is dead." Representative Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) also wrote: "The passing of the dictator marks the end of a long, horrifying chapter in #Cuba's history. The #Cuban people need our solidarity #Castro." Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) also wrote:" Today, a tyrant is dead. Although his totalitarian dictatorship deeply scarred a once prosperous nation, his death ushers in a renewed hope that the Cuban people finally will be free." Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R- WI) said: "Now that Fidel Castro is dead, the cruelty and oppression of his regime should die with him. Today let us reflect on the memory and sacrifices of all those who have suffered under the Castros." Cruz and Rubio later said, respectively: "What the Obama administration has done has strengthened Raúl Castro. Raúl is the dictator now. You know, I asked my dad at dinner last night, well, what do you think happens now that Fidel is dead? And he shrugged and said Raúl's been in charge for years, that this is — the system has gotten stronger;" and " has made very clear that he felt that the moves President Obama has made toward Cuba were wrong and that he would examine them and change the ones that needed to be changed. And I think that's very promising. I know they've had good people advising them on this issue, as well. So I certainly have confidence that he's going to do the right thing when it comes to Cuba."
**Cuban-American Mayor of Miami-Dade County Carlos A. Gimenez wrote that he hoped for a "free and democratic Cuba" and that "his passing closes a very painful chapter for Cubans..."
** – Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla wrote: "Commander Fidel Castro Ruz, regardless of how we evaluate his work, was a leading figure in the history of Cuba, the Caribbean and America. His death is an opportunity to reflect on the content, meaning and significance of it in its national, regional, hemispheric and global dimensions. It also calls, and more importantly to imagine, a future that contains the reconciliation in democracy of the Cuban family and the acceptance of the complete incorporation of the island to the hemispheric system..."
**Former President Jimmy Carter offered his "sympathies with the Castro family and the Cuban people" and said that he "remember fondly our visits with him in Cuba and his love of his country."
**Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich wrote: "Under no circumstance should President Obama or VP Biden or Secstate Kerry go to Cuba for Castro's funeral. He was a tyrant."
**Former Assistant Secretary of the Treasury Paul Craig Roberts asked: "Did The Cuban Revolution Die With Castro?" He responded to the celebrations in Miami in saying: "The purpose of the US embargo on the Cuban Revolution was to prevent socialist development in order that when the revolutionaries die off, the American One Percent and crime syndicates can again purchase Cuba and resume the exploitation of the Cuban people."
**President-elect Donald Trump initially wrote: "Fidel Castro is dead!" He later issued a statement that read:
**The Vice-President-elect, Governor Mike Pence of Indiana wrote: "The tyrant #Castro is dead. New hope dawns. We will stand with the oppressed Cuban people for a free and democratic Cuba. Viva Cuba Libre!" (Long Live Free Cuba)
* – President Tabaré Vázquez conveyed his condolences to the government, the family of Castro and the Cuban people "in the face of this sad event." Uruguay announced a day of national mourning on 27 November.
** Former President José ''Pepe'' Mujica praised Castro as someone who "lived as he believed and lived for what he believed in;" someone with a "Quixotic stature, for he had to live a long period of his history defying the first world power he had in front of him."
* – President Nicolás Maduro wrote: "To all the revolutionaries of the world, we have to continue his legacy and his flag of independence, of socialism, of homeland." He added: "He made history together with the peoples of the world to signal a way of dignity...Great history with the principles of Bolivar and Martí...Fidel and Chávez constructed el ALBA, PetroCaribe and left the path of liberation of our peoples...the history absolved." He also said: "I just talked with President Raúl Castro to send the solidarity and love to the people of Cuba before the passing of Commander Fidel Castro."

;Asia
* – President Serzh Sargsyan sent a condolence letter stating that: "The role and significance of Fidel Castro in the modern history of Cuba is, indeed, hard to overestimate. This is a bereavement for the people of Cuba who sincerely loved and respected him. Remaining faithful to his ideologies and principles until the end and preserving the brave and noble qualities, Fidel Castro will continue inspiring and guiding new generations of Cuba."
* – President Ilham Aliyev sent a letter to Raúl Castro expressing condolences and praising Castro as an "outstanding statesman and political figure."
* – President Abdul Hamid called Castro's death an "immense loss" and praised his "revolutionary fight to champion the oppressed." Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also expressed deep condolences and remembered Castro's support for the Bangladeshi War of Independence, for which he had received the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour.
* – General Secretary and President Xi Jinping issued a statement that read: "The Chinese people have lost a good and true comrade. Comrade Castro will live forever. astro wasa great man of our time ndhistory and people will remember him." He added that relations between the two states grew because of Castro after diplomatic ties were established in 1960. It further noted that Xi "visited his old friend Fidel Castro" in July 2014. Premier Li Keqiang also issued a statement that read Castro had "devoted his life to the liberation and national development of Cuba" and praised his contributions to Sino-Cuban relations. On 29 November, Xi Jinping paid a visit to the Cuban embassy to mourn Castro. Premier Li, Congress Chairman Zhang Dejiang, Conference Chairman Yu Zhengsheng and former General Secretary Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao also offered wreaths.
* – President Giorgi Margvelashvili offered his condolences and called Castro a "remarkable leader, who strived for the welfare and advancement of his country in the most challenging period of the world history. I truly believe that his extraordinary legacy will leave a remarkable trace in the history of Cuba and the entire world."
* – President Pranab Mukherjee wrote on Twitter: "Heartfelt condolences on sad demise of Cuba's revolutionary leader, former President & friend of India, Fidel Castro." Vice President Hamid Ansari praised Castro as "a champion of anti-imperialism and anti-colonialism, he served as an inspiration for socialists movements and anti-colonial struggle across the world." Prime Minister Narendra Modi also wrote on Twitter that he extended "deepest condolences to the Government & people of Cuba" and that " stand in support...in this tragic hour." He further noted that "India mourns the loss of a great friend." Speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan said Castro was a figure of "sheer charisma and iron will." She also praised his contributions to the Non Aligned Movement and his support for India. Both houses of the parliament observed a minute of silence in tribute to Castro.
**Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi expressed condolences to the Cuban people and noted Castro's "contribution to the Non Aligned Movement and his unflinching support for India's cause on various fora," which she added "will be remembered forever."
**Communist Party of India (Marxist) General-Secretary Sitaram Yechury said: "Fidel Castro will remain a legend and a source of inspiration. The world will miss him."
* – President Joko Widodo offered his condolences to the government and people of Cuba. Vice President Jusuf Kalla also extended his condolences, calling Castro " ormer President Bung Karno's best friend who struggled for the non-aligned movement. Both were fighters."

* – President Hassan Rouhani extended his condolences to the Cuban government and the country, as well as to Latin American people in general. He send a message to his Cuban counterpart saying the death of the "indefatigable combatant and leader of Cuba's Revolution" caused him deep sorrow and grief. "At a time that the world's oppressed nations are suffering from the violation of the most basic and fundamental human principles such as peace, justice and freedom, there are fortunately noble men and combatants who do not give up the struggle until the last days of their lives to raise the justice- and freedom-seeking flag." Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

HOME


Content is Copyleft
Website design, code, and AI is Copyrighted (c) 2014-2017 by Stephen Payne


Consider donating to Wikimedia



As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases