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| Fidel Castro death: Obama extends hand of friendship to Cuban people – live updates | Fidel Castro death: Obama extends hand of friendship to Cuban people – live updates |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 3.58pm GMT | |
| 15:58 | |
| Former House speaker Newt Gingrich - who may be in the frame for a top job under President Trump - agrees with Marco Rubio: | |
| Under no circumstance should President Obama or VP Biden or Secstate Kerry go to Cuba for Castro's funeral. He was a tyrant. | |
| 3.58pm GMT | |
| 15:58 | |
| Garry Kasparov, chairman of the Human Rights Foundation, has tweeted: | |
| Fidel Castro was one of the 20th century's many monsters. We should lament only that he had so long to inflict misery on Cuba and beyond. | |
| 3.50pm GMT | |
| 15:50 | |
| Trump hopes for a 'free Cuba' | |
| US president-elect, Donald Trump, has issued a statement about the death of Fidel Castro: | |
| Today, the world marks the passing of a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades. Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights. | |
| While Cuba remains a totalitarian island, it is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve. | |
| Though the tragedies, deaths and pain caused by Fidel Castro cannot be erased, our administration will do all it can to ensure the Cuban people can finally begin their journey toward prosperity and liberty. I join the many Cuban Americans who supported me so greatly in the presidential campaign, including the Brigade 2506 Veterans Association that endorsed me, with the hope of one day soon seeing a free Cuba. | |
| Updated | |
| at 3.55pm GMT | |
| 3.49pm GMT | |
| 15:49 | |
| Amnesty calls Castro 'progressive but deeply flawed' | |
| Amnesty International has called Castro a “progressive but deeply flawed leader”. The organisation said Castro’s achievements in improving access to public services for millions of Cubans were tempered by a systemic repression of basic freedoms during his time in power. Its Americas director, Erika Guevara-Rosa, said in a statement: | |
| Access to public services such as health and education for Cubans were substantially improved by the Cuban revolution and for this, his leadership must be applauded. However, despite these achievements in areas of social policy, Fidel Castro’s 49-year reign was characterised by a ruthless suppression of freedom of expression. | |
| The state of freedom of expression in Cuba, where activists continue to face arrest and harassment for speaking out against the government, is Fidel Castro’s darkest legacy. | |
| Fidel Castro’s legacy is a tale of two worlds. The question now is what human rights will look like in a future Cuba. The lives of many depend on it. | |
| Updated | |
| at 3.56pm GMT | |
| 3.40pm GMT | |
| 15:40 | |
| Marco Rubio, the Florida senator whose parents were Cuban immigrants, tells Fox News he hopes that the Obama administration sends “no one” to Castro’s funeral. | |
| In a statement, he said: | |
| “The dictator has died, but the dictatorship has not. The future of Cuba ultimately remains in the hands of the Cuban people, and now more than ever Congress and the new administration must stand with them against their brutal rulers and support their struggle for freedom and basic human rights.” | |
| Earlier this year Rubio sought to become the Republican presidential candidate, but lost out to Donald Trump in the party’s primaries. | |
| Updated | |
| at 3.55pm GMT | |
| 3.33pm GMT | |
| 15:33 | |
| Mitch McConnell, the US Senate majority leader, says that although Castro is gone, “the oppression that was the hallmark of his era is not”. | |
| It is my hope that the Cuban regime will use this opportunity to turn the page for the good of the Cuban people and for all those living in the Americas. Freedom and democracy are long overdue in Cuba.” | |
| Updated | |
| at 3.41pm GMT | |
| 3.23pm GMT | 3.23pm GMT |
| 15:23 | 15:23 |
| US Senator Marco Rubio, who ran against Trump in the Republican primary, has said that history will remember Castro as an “evil, murderous dictator”. | US Senator Marco Rubio, who ran against Trump in the Republican primary, has said that 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,” Rubio, who is Cuban-American, said in a statement. | “Fidel Castro seized power promising to bring freedom and prosperity to Cuba, but his communist regime turned it into an impoverished island prison,” Rubio, who is Cuban-American, said in a statement. |
| “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.” | “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.” |
| 3.11pm GMT | 3.11pm GMT |
| 15:11 | 15:11 |
| Barack Obama says history will judge Castro's 'enormous impact' | Barack Obama says history will judge Castro's 'enormous impact' |
| The White House has issued a statement by President Obama on Castro’s death, in which he extends a hand of friendship to the Cuban people and offers condolences to Castro’s family. The full statement is below. | The White House has issued a statement by President Obama on Castro’s death, in which he extends a hand of friendship to the Cuban people and offers condolences to Castro’s family. The full statement is below. |
| At this time of Fidel Castro’s passing, 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. | At this time of Fidel Castro’s passing, 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. |
| For nearly six decades, 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. | For nearly six decades, 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. |
| Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people. In the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. As they do, the Cuban people must know that they have a friend and partner in the United States of America. | Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people. In the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. As they do, the Cuban people must know that they have a friend and partner in the United States of America. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.11pm GMT | at 3.11pm GMT |
| 2.55pm GMT | 2.55pm GMT |
| 14:55 | 14:55 |
| Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona has lamented the loss of a “great” man. | Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona has lamented the loss of a “great” man. |
| “They called me from Buenos Aires and it was a shock,” Maradona told reporters. “I’m terribly sad as he was like a second father.” | “They called me from Buenos Aires and it was a shock,” Maradona told reporters. “I’m terribly sad as he was like a second father.” |
| Maradona spent time in Cuba, where he underwent rehabilitation treatment for drug abuse. He met Castro on several occasions and expressed warm admiration for him. | Maradona spent time in Cuba, where he underwent rehabilitation treatment for drug abuse. He met Castro on several occasions and expressed warm admiration for him. |
| Maradona first visited Cuba after the 1986 World Cup which Argentina won after he scored a handball goal during the quarter-final against England. | Maradona first visited Cuba after the 1986 World Cup which Argentina won after he scored a handball goal during the quarter-final against England. |
| Castro referred to the footballer as a “great friend” while Maradona had a leg tattooed with the likeness of the then Cuban president, of whom he once said: “Along with God, he is the reason I am alive.” | Castro referred to the footballer as a “great friend” while Maradona had a leg tattooed with the likeness of the then Cuban president, of whom he once said: “Along with God, he is the reason I am alive.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.18pm GMT | at 3.18pm GMT |
| 2.37pm GMT | 2.37pm GMT |
| 14:37 | 14:37 |
| Evo Morales, the president of Bolivia and a close ally of the late Cuban leader, said he was “deeply saddened” at Castro’s death. He told the Latin American television network Telesur: | Evo Morales, the president of Bolivia and a close ally of the late Cuban leader, said he was “deeply saddened” at Castro’s death. He told the Latin American television network Telesur: |
| Fidel [was] the 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. | Fidel [was] the 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. | 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. |
| 2.26pm GMT | 2.26pm GMT |
| 14:26 | 14:26 |
| As Cubans take to the streets of Miami, Carlos A. Gimenez, mayor of Miami-Dade county, writes of his hope for a “free and democratic Cuba”. | As Cubans take to the streets of Miami, Carlos A. Gimenez, mayor of Miami-Dade county, writes of his hope for a “free and democratic Cuba”. |
| Early this morning, I learned of Fidel Castro's death. His passing closes a very painful chapter for Cubans on the.. pic.twitter.com/TejBEb3IGF | Early this morning, I learned of Fidel Castro's death. His passing closes a very painful chapter for Cubans on the.. pic.twitter.com/TejBEb3IGF |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.33pm GMT | at 2.33pm GMT |
| 2.23pm GMT | 2.23pm GMT |
| 14:23 | 14:23 |
| EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker has said in a statement: | EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker has said in a statement: |
| Fidel Castro was one of the historic figures of the past century and the embodiment of the Cuban Revolution. | Fidel Castro was one of the historic figures of the past century and the embodiment of the Cuban Revolution. |
| With the death of Fidel Castro, the world has lost a man who was a hero for many. He changed the course of his country and his influence reached far beyond. Fidel Castro remains one of the revolutionary figures of the 20th century. His legacy will be judged by history. | With the death of Fidel Castro, the world has lost a man who was a hero for many. He changed the course of his country and his influence reached far beyond. Fidel Castro remains one of the revolutionary figures of the 20th century. His legacy will be judged by history. |
| I convey my condolences to the Cuban President Raúl Castro and his family and to the people of Cuba. | I convey my condolences to the Cuban President Raúl Castro and his family and to the people of Cuba. |
| With the death of #FidelCastro, the world has lost a man who was a hero for many. https://t.co/u0ULZoG8Fl | With the death of #FidelCastro, the world has lost a man who was a hero for many. https://t.co/u0ULZoG8Fl |
| 2.13pm GMT | 2.13pm GMT |
| 14:13 | 14:13 |
| Duncan Campbell details all of the CIA’s outlandish plots to bump off the Cuban dictator, including the use of poison pills, toxic cigars and exploding molluscs. Once, he even offered to shoot himself. | Duncan Campbell details all of the CIA’s outlandish plots to bump off the Cuban dictator, including the use of poison pills, toxic cigars and exploding molluscs. Once, he even offered to shoot himself. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.32pm GMT | at 2.32pm GMT |
| 1.57pm GMT | 1.57pm GMT |
| 13:57 | 13:57 |
| The Economist concludes that Castro’s death means the island nation will now shake off any vestiges of communism. | The Economist concludes that Castro’s death means the island nation will now shake off any vestiges of communism. |
| The transition to a post-communist Cuba will now begin in earnest https://t.co/iq7wPJOumE | The transition to a post-communist Cuba will now begin in earnest https://t.co/iq7wPJOumE |
| 1.46pm GMT | 1.46pm GMT |
| 13:46 | 13:46 |
| Observer columnist Nick Cohen has a pop at Jeremy Corbyn’s response to Castro’s passing: | Observer columnist Nick Cohen has a pop at Jeremy Corbyn’s response to Castro’s passing: |
| Can anyone explain how Corbyn's praise of Castro is different from Thatcher's praise of Pinochet? Thought not.https://t.co/VGR7Q4BpoS | Can anyone explain how Corbyn's praise of Castro is different from Thatcher's praise of Pinochet? Thought not.https://t.co/VGR7Q4BpoS |
| Absolute state of this pic.twitter.com/hTD8re5Cqv | Absolute state of this pic.twitter.com/hTD8re5Cqv |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.47pm GMT | at 1.47pm GMT |
| 1.26pm GMT | 1.26pm GMT |
| 13:26 | 13:26 |
| Pope Francis is the latest public figure to respond to the death of Fidel Castro. | Pope Francis is the latest public figure to respond to the death of Fidel Castro. |
| The leader of the Catholic church, who met Castro when he visited Cuba last year, described it as “sad news”, adding in a message to Raul Castro: “I express to you my sentiments of grief.” | The leader of the Catholic church, who met Castro when he visited Cuba last year, described it as “sad news”, adding in a message to Raul Castro: “I express to you my sentiments of grief.” |
| Castro, a professed atheist, was baptised as a Catholic and educated in schools run by the Jesuits, the religious order of which the pope is a member. | Castro, a professed atheist, was baptised as a Catholic and educated in schools run by the Jesuits, the religious order of which the pope is a member. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.28pm GMT | at 1.28pm GMT |
| 1.09pm GMT | 1.09pm GMT |
| 13:09 | 13:09 |
| Always first with the news, the president-elect tweets: | Always first with the news, the president-elect tweets: |
| Fidel Castro is dead! | Fidel Castro is dead! |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.10pm GMT | at 1.10pm GMT |