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Fidel Castro: Cuba declares nine days of national mourning – live updates Fidel Castro: Cuba declares nine days of national mourning – live updates
(35 minutes later)
1.09pm GMT
13:09
Always first with the news: the president-elect tweets:
Fidel Castro is dead!
12.54pm GMT
12:54
The European Union’s foreign affairs chief, Federica Mogherini, has hailed the historical importance of Castro and said the bloc’s relations with Cuba would continue to improve.
Mogherini said Castro was “a man of determination and an historical figure,” adding that his death came as Cuba faced “great changes” and at times of global uncertainty.
EU-Cuba relations were relaunched with an agreement on political dialogue and cooperation last spring.
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12.45pm GMT
12:45
British foreign office expresses condolences
The British foreign office has released a statement from the foreign secretary, Boris Johnson.
The UK expresses its condolences to the government and people of Cuba, and to the former president’s family. Fidel Castro’s death marks the end of an era for Cuba and the start of a new one for Cuba’s people.
Fidel Castro’s leadership of the 1959 Cuban Revolution marked him out as an historic if controversial figure. The UK will continue to work with the government of Cuba on a wide range of foreign policy priorities, including on human rights.
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12.42pm GMT
12:42
Jeremy Corbyn has visited Cuba several times and been critical of US policy towards it.
Here’s more of what he said during a visit to Oxford, where he has travelled to launch the Labour party’s national campaign day for the NHS, he said:
Fidel Castro was a massive figure in the history of the whole planet, ever since the revolution in 1959.
There are stories of his heroism while living in Mexico in exile and then the boat to Cuba, the march to Havana and the revolution in 1959.
He managed to bring good quality health services to all the people of Cuba, good quality education to all the people of Cuba and, of course, he had a foreign policy which was global, but particularly important in southern Africa in supporting Angola against the apartheid regime.
Corbyn also lauded progress the country had made in recent years in opposing the death penalty and accepting LGBT rights, as well as the mending of relations with America under Barack Obama, which he called “historic”.
History will show that Fidel was somebody who stood up for something very, very different in the Caribbean and many independent people would say how good health care and education are in Cuba compared to many other places in the world.
Addressing concerns that he was overlooking allegations that the Castro regime was involved in suppressing basic human freedoms, Corbyn said:
I have constantly raised the issues of human rights abuses everywhere in the world and if LGBT people are wrongly and badly treated and people are denied the freedom of speech, then that is wrong.
I have never shied away from raising human rights concerns in any country in the world in any circumstances and I never will.
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12.38pm GMT
12:38
“Sad,” says Martin McGuinness, deputy first minister of Northern Ireland, in a somewhat Trumpean manner.
#Cuba - End of an Era. #FidelCastro RIP #Sad pic.twitter.com/DRxGl2iBrA
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12.29pm GMT12.29pm GMT
12:2912:29
“Fidel Castro, who has died at the age of 90, was one of the more extraordinary political figures of the 20th century” writes Richard Gott in a Guardian obituary.“Fidel Castro, who has died at the age of 90, was one of the more extraordinary political figures of the 20th century” writes Richard Gott in a Guardian obituary.
“After leading a successful revolution on a Caribbean island in 1959, he became a player on the global stage, dealing on equal terms with successive leaders of the two nuclear superpowers during the cold war.“After leading a successful revolution on a Caribbean island in 1959, he became a player on the global stage, dealing on equal terms with successive leaders of the two nuclear superpowers during the cold war.
“A charismatic figure from the developing world, his influence was felt far beyond the shores of Cuba. Known as Fidel to friends and enemies alike, his life story is inevitably that of his people and their revolution. Even in old age, he still exercised a magnetic attraction wherever he went, his audience as fascinated by the dinosaur from history as they had once been by the revolutionary firebrand of earlier times.”“A charismatic figure from the developing world, his influence was felt far beyond the shores of Cuba. Known as Fidel to friends and enemies alike, his life story is inevitably that of his people and their revolution. Even in old age, he still exercised a magnetic attraction wherever he went, his audience as fascinated by the dinosaur from history as they had once been by the revolutionary firebrand of earlier times.”
12.26pm GMT12.26pm GMT
12:2612:26
Xi Jinping says Castro will 'live forever'Xi Jinping says Castro will 'live forever'
Chinese President Xi Jinping has said in a message read out on China’s main TV channel: The Chinese president, Xi Jinping, has said in a message read out on China’s main TV channel:
The Chinese people have lost a good and true comrade. Comrade Castro will live forever.The Chinese people have lost a good and true comrade. Comrade Castro will live forever.
Xi added Castro was “a great man of our time” and that “history and people will remember him”. He said relations between the two communist nations grew quickly thanks to Castro’s efforts after diplomatic ties were established in 1960.Xi added Castro was “a great man of our time” and that “history and people will remember him”. He said relations between the two communist nations grew quickly thanks to Castro’s efforts after diplomatic ties were established in 1960.
In a documentary aired shortly after Castro’s death was announced, CCTV said that Fidel Castro admired Mao Zedong and “regretted not being able to get to know him.” In a documentary aired shortly after Castro’s death was announced, CCTV said Fidel Castro admired Mao Zedong and “regretted not being able to get to know him”.
Even though the two countries shared an ideology they remained distant due to Cuba’s closeness to the Soviet Union, China’s rival from the 1960s, until Mao’s death in 1976. Even though the two countries shared an ideology, they remained distant due to Cuba’s closeness to the Soviet Union, China’s rival from the 1960s, until Mao’s death in 1976.
There was a rapprochement after the fall of the Soviet Union, with Chinese leaders visiting Cuba several times. Xi “visited his old friend Fidel Castro” in July 2014.There was a rapprochement after the fall of the Soviet Union, with Chinese leaders visiting Cuba several times. Xi “visited his old friend Fidel Castro” in July 2014.
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12.07pm GMT12.07pm GMT
12:0712:07
Jon Lee Anderson, writer at the New Yorker and biographer of Che Guevara, has said:Jon Lee Anderson, writer at the New Yorker and biographer of Che Guevara, has said:
With the death of #Fidel Castro, at 90, one of modern world's most epic lives has ended, & w/it, an era of revolution that shaped our world.With the death of #Fidel Castro, at 90, one of modern world's most epic lives has ended, & w/it, an era of revolution that shaped our world.
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at 12.09pm GMTat 12.09pm GMT
12.06pm GMT12.06pm GMT
12:0612:06
The Cuban embassy in the US has tweeted:The Cuban embassy in the US has tweeted:
Until forever, Commander! This No. 25, at 10:29 p.m. the Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz passed away #Cuba pic.twitter.com/5SDdyDyEY1Until forever, Commander! This No. 25, at 10:29 p.m. the Commander in Chief of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz passed away #Cuba pic.twitter.com/5SDdyDyEY1
12.03pm GMT12.03pm GMT
12:0312:03
Anti-Castro activists are toasting his death outside the Cuban embassy in Madrid.Anti-Castro activists are toasting his death outside the Cuban embassy in Madrid.
Anticastristas brindan por la muerte de Fidel Castro ante la Embajada Cuba en España pic.twitter.com/cZ3ikSU0EOAnticastristas brindan por la muerte de Fidel Castro ante la Embajada Cuba en España pic.twitter.com/cZ3ikSU0EO
12.01pm GMT12.01pm GMT
12:0112:01
China and Vietnam respond to Castro's deathChina and Vietnam respond to Castro's death
China and Vietnam, two of the few remaining Communist states, have lamented the death of Castro.China and Vietnam, two of the few remaining Communist states, have lamented the death of Castro.
Hanoi’s state media led tributes to the loss of a “great friend and comrade”.Hanoi’s state media led tributes to the loss of a “great friend and comrade”.
Castro’s Cuba showed solidarity with Vietnam in its war against US invaders.Castro’s Cuba showed solidarity with Vietnam in its war against US invaders.
The revolutionary figurhead first visited Vietnam in 1973 as a sign of communist kinship two years before the north drove out the US army.The revolutionary figurhead first visited Vietnam in 1973 as a sign of communist kinship two years before the north drove out the US army.
As a sign of enduring ties, Vietnam’s President Tran Dai Quang was among the last heads of state to visit Castro, on November 16.As a sign of enduring ties, Vietnam’s President Tran Dai Quang was among the last heads of state to visit Castro, on November 16.
AFP reports the Vietnam News Agency as saying: “For all Vietnamese, Fidel was a great friend, a comrade and a very close brother”. It added that he had been “a pure symbol of true internationalism in the fight for independence of nations.”AFP reports the Vietnam News Agency as saying: “For all Vietnamese, Fidel was a great friend, a comrade and a very close brother”. It added that he had been “a pure symbol of true internationalism in the fight for independence of nations.”
Ties between communist China and Cuba warmed especially following the collapse of Soviet Russia, the Castro government’s biggest sponsor.Ties between communist China and Cuba warmed especially following the collapse of Soviet Russia, the Castro government’s biggest sponsor.
China Central Television (CCTV) ran a commentary explaining that Cuba was “the first country in the Western hemisphere” to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing.China Central Television (CCTV) ran a commentary explaining that Cuba was “the first country in the Western hemisphere” to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing.
“Fidel Castro admired Mao Zedong and... regretted not being able to get to know him,” added the commentary, describing the two nations as “good comrades”.“Fidel Castro admired Mao Zedong and... regretted not being able to get to know him,” added the commentary, describing the two nations as “good comrades”.
Castro visited China for the first time in 1995.Castro visited China for the first time in 1995.
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11.54am GMT
11:54
Justin Trudeau calls Castro a 'legendary revolutionary'
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has extended his condolences, calling Castro a “legendary revolutionary and orator,” CTV news reports. Trudeau said in a statement:
It is with deep sorrow that I learned today of the death of Cuba’s longest serving president... We join the people of Cuba today in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader.
Trudeau also made reference the longstanding friendship between his father, former prime minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and Castro.
While a controversial figure, both Mr Castro’s supporters and detractors recognise his tremendous dedication and love the Cuban people who had a need and lasting affection for ‘El Comandante’.
11.51am GMT
11:51
In Cuba right now:
Work already beginning in Havana's revolution square to prepare for Fidel Castro memorial.
11.36am GMT
11:36
Boris Johnson says Castro's death marks end of an era
The British foreign secretary tweeted:
Fidel #Castro's death marks the end of an era for #Cuba & the start of a new one for Cuba's people
11.35am GMT
11:35
Jeremy Corbyn praises 'heroism' of Castro
UK Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has hailed Fidel Castro as “a massive figure in the history of the whole planet”.
Corbyn, a long-standing supporter of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, praised Castro’s “heroism” and commended the social changes he brought to the Caribbean island.
“I think history will show that Castro was such a key figure, it seems he has been with us forever,” he told the Press Association.
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11.17am GMT
11:17
Latest summary
Nadia Khomami
If you’re just joining us, leaders around the world have been responding to the news that Fidel Castro, revolutionary leader of Cuba for nearly half a century, has died at the age of 90. The news was announced by his brother and successor as Cuban president, Raúl Castro, who said on national TV: “At 10.29 at night, the chief commander of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, died.” Raúl said Fidel would be cremated on Saturday, giving no cause of death but ending the address with the revolutionary slogan: “Hasta la victoria siempre!” which translates to “Ever onward, to victory!”
If you want to alert me to any developments, I’m on Twitter @nadiakhomami.
If you’re after some lunchtime reading or viewing, here’s our latest list of Castro pieces:
Full story: Cuba’s revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro, dies aged 90.
‘The old man is dead’: Fidel Castro’s death sparks celebrations on streets of Miami.
Castro’s legacy: how the revolutionary inspired and appalled the world.
Divide and rule: Castro family torn by dysfunction and disagreements.
‘He led a humble life’: Fidel Castro’s biographer on the legacy of a revolutionary – video.
Fidel Castro – from schoolboy to statesman, a life in pictures.
Updated
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10.57am GMT
10:57
Cuban government declares nine days of national mourning
The government has declared nine days of national mourning.
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.
10.54am GMT
10:54
Former Labour Cabinet minister and anti-apartheid leader Peter Hain, now Lord Hain, said:
Although responsible for indefensible human rights and free speech abuses, Castro created a society of unparalleled access to free health, education and equal opportunity despite an economically throttling USA siege.
His troops inflicted the first defeat on South Africa’s troops in Angola in 1988, a vital turning point in the struggle against apartheid.
10.53am GMT
10:53
Michael D Higgins says Castro guided Cuba through remarkable change
The Irish president, Michael D Higgins, has said Castro guided Cuba “through a remarkable process of social and political change, advocating a development path that was unique and determinedly independent”. He added:
Fidel Castro will be remembered as a giant among global leaders whose view was not only one of freedom for his people but for all of the oppressed and excluded peoples on the planet.
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10.49am GMT
10:49
The BBC’s world affairs editor, John Simpson, has tweeted:
Castro hugely glamorous, v attractive, romantic, but a monster to anyone who thought or acted differently - gays, Christians, liberals.
10.30am GMT
10:30
Castro's ashes to be interred at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery
Sam Jones
The Cuban government announced on Saturday morning that Fidel Castro’s ashes will be interred at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery in Santiago de Cuba on 4 December.
Cubans will be able to pay homage to Castro at the José Martí memorial in Havana on 28 and 29 November. A mass rally will be held in the capital at 7pm on 29 November.
On the following day, Castro’s ashes will be begin their journey along the route that commemorates his victory in 1959.
On 4 December, at 7am, his ashes will be interred at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, the resting place of 19th century Cuban independence hero José Martí and numerous other leading figures in the country’s torrid history.
Updated
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