UN General Assembly Honors Fidel

by Stephen Lendman

One of the true giants of modern times, Fidel died on November 25 at age 90. 

I honored him with daily articles throughout Cuba's nine-day mourning period, ending with interment of his ashes in Santiago, where his revolution began.

On November 26, General Assembly president HE Peter Thomson issued a statement, saying:

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Fidel Castro and I wish to express my sincere condolences to his family, including his brother President Raul Castro, as well as the Government and People of Cuba."

"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, would be long remembered."

On December 21, UN General Assembly member states honored him in a special session, beginning with a minute of silence.

Venezuelan UN envoy Rafeal Ramirez praised him for supporting Bolivarian Revolution principles. Calling him a wise, simple and loyal man, he said "(i)n the name of Venezuela, we offer a sincere tribute to a giant in Latin America and the Caribbean…(N)ow it's up to us to keep his name high."

Deputy Cuban UN envoy Ana Silvia Rodriguez Abascal thanked representatives from member states for paying tribute to Fidel, saying he "forever will be the commander and leader of the Cuban revolution."

He championed a new world order based on peace, equity and justice. Separately, former US Attorney General Ramsey Clark called him "(o)ne of the greatest men of the 20th century and of all times…"

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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