World Leaders on Fidel Castro's Passing

by Stephen Lendman

A time for mourning - for me and millions of others worldwide. Fidel was a revolutionary giant, a redoubtable anti-imperial force, an inspiring role model.

It's hard accepting his passing. Things won't be the same without him, even knowing his revolutionary spirit lives on. Obama issued a forked-tongue statement, saying "we extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people" - refusing to lift the illegal embargo by executive order, no congressional authorization needed. 

The Clintons, along with turncoats Sanders and Stein remain silent as this is written.

Trump tweeted "Fidel Castro is dead!" A shameful statement followed, disgracefully calling 

Fidel "a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades" - ending by saying he "hope(s) one day soon seeing a free Cuba." Outrageous!

Neocon congressional members Mitch McConnel, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Illeana Ros-Lehtcinen, Mario Diaz-Balart, Ed Royce and others denigrated his passing.

Vladimir Putin "offered (his) deepest condolences to (Raul Castro) and the entire Cuban nation over the death of your brother, the leader of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro."

"The name of this remarkable statesman is rightfully viewed as a symbol of a whole era in modern history. Free and independent Cuba built by him and his fellow revolutionaries has become an influential member of the international community and serves as an inspiring example for many countries and peoples."

"Fidel Castro was a sincere and reliable friend of Russia. He made a tremendous personal contribution to the establishment and progress of Russian-Cuban relations, close strategic partnership in all areas."

"This strong and wise man always looked into the future with confidence. He embodied the high ideals of a politician, citizen and patriot who wholeheartedly believed in the cause, to which he devoted his life. Russians will always cherish his memory in their hearts."

"In this mournful hour, I ask you to pass on my words of sympathy and support to all members of your family. I wish you courage and tenacity as you face this irreparable loss."

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said "(w)ithout exaggeration, a whole era of history is gone with Fidel Castro."

Former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev said "Fidel stood up and strengthened his country during the harshest American blockade, when there was colossal pressure on him and he still took his country out of this blockade to a path of independent development. In the past years, even when Fidel Castro was not formally in power, his role in strengthening the country was huge."

In a telegram to Raul Castro, Pope Francis said "(u)pon hearing the sad news…I express my sadness to your excellency and all family members of the deceased dignitary, as well as the government and the people in that beloved nation. At the same time, I offer my prayers for his eternal rest…"

China's President Xi Jinping mourned the loss of a "dear comrade and true friend," a man who made "immortal contributions to the development of socialism around the world."

China's official Xinhua News Agency headlined "Old Soldiers Never Die," hailing Fidel as a leader who "resisted the American superpower for half a century."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro praised Fidel, saying "(t)o all revolutionaries of the world, we have to continue with his legacy and his flag of independence, of socialism, of homeland."

"He made history together with the peoples of the world to signal a way of dignity...Great history with the principles of Bolivar and Marti. I just talked with President Raul Castro to send the solidarity and love to the people of Cuba before the passing of Commander Fidel Castro."

Ecuador's President Rafael Correa called Fidel "a big one. Long live Cuba! Long Live Latin America."

Bolivian President Evo Morales said "Fidel…devoted his life, his knowledge and his struggle not only to the Cuban people but to all the people of the world."

UK Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said Fidel "will be remembered both as an internationalist and a champion of social justice."

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Fidel "one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend."

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe "offer(ed) condolences to the Cuban government, its people and family members."

He was bigger than life, a legend in his own time, a monumental liberator, a giant among revolutionary leaders - going gentle into that good night not his style.

Cuba announced nine days of national mourning for their beloved leader now passed.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. 

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