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| Fidel Castro death: Donald Trump hopes for a free Cuba – as it happened | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 5.56pm GMT | |
| 17:56 | |
| Concluding summary | |
| We’re wrapping up our live coverage of global reaction to the death of Fidel Castro. Here’s a summary of the main points. | |
| And if you want more on the passing of Castro, there’s plenty more reading here: | |
| 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 | |
| 5.47pm GMT | 5.47pm GMT |
| 17:47 | 17:47 |
| United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has extended his condolences to the Cuban people. | United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon has extended his condolences to the Cuban people. |
| “At this time of national mourning, I offer the support of the United Nations to work alongside the people of the island,” he said in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where he is attending the Global Sustainable Transport Conference. | “At this time of national mourning, I offer the support of the United Nations to work alongside the people of the island,” he said in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, where he is attending the Global Sustainable Transport Conference. |
| 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. | 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.” | 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.” |
| 5.14pm GMT | 5.14pm GMT |
| 17:14 | 17:14 |
| US vice-president-elect Mike Pence tweets: | US vice-president-elect Mike Pence tweets: |
| 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! | 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! |
| 5.05pm GMT | 5.05pm GMT |
| 17:05 | 17:05 |
| Fidel Castro had a close connection to Canada, particularly with former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, for whose 2000 funeral he served as an honorary pallbearer, writes Christopher Guly in Ottawa. Trudeau was the first Western leader to visit Cuba in January 1976. | Fidel Castro had a close connection to Canada, particularly with former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, for whose 2000 funeral he served as an honorary pallbearer, writes Christopher Guly in Ottawa. Trudeau was the first Western leader to visit Cuba in January 1976. |
| Trudeau’s son and the current Canadian PM, Justin, was in Cuba earlier this month but did not meet with Castro. Justin Trudeau issued a statement today in which he expressed “deep sorrow” of learning of the death of the former Cuban president. | Trudeau’s son and the current Canadian PM, Justin, was in Cuba earlier this month but did not meet with Castro. Justin Trudeau issued a statement today in which he expressed “deep sorrow” of learning of the death of the former Cuban president. |
| Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century. A legendary revolutionary and orator, 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 recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for el Comandante. | Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century. A legendary revolutionary and orator, 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 recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for el Comandante. |
| 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. We join the people of Cuba today in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader.” | 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. We join the people of Cuba today in mourning the loss of this remarkable leader.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.08pm GMT | at 5.08pm GMT |
| 4.39pm GMT | 4.39pm GMT |
| 16:39 | 16:39 |
| Enrique Acevedo, presenter for US Spanish language TV network Univision, tweets: | Enrique Acevedo, presenter for US Spanish language TV network Univision, tweets: |
| #FidelCastro to Edward Murrow in 1959 interview: "When we have fulfilled our promise of good government, I will cut by beard." He never did. pic.twitter.com/6HjlnIUwqj | #FidelCastro to Edward Murrow in 1959 interview: "When we have fulfilled our promise of good government, I will cut by beard." He never did. pic.twitter.com/6HjlnIUwqj |
| 4.24pm GMT | 4.24pm GMT |
| 16:24 | 16:24 |
| Not to be left behind, yet another senior Republican has offered his two cents’ worth on Castro’s passing. | Not to be left behind, yet another senior Republican has offered his two cents’ worth on Castro’s passing. |
| House speaker Paul Ryan said much work remained to secure freedom for the Cuban people, adding: | House speaker Paul Ryan said much work remained to secure freedom for the Cuban people, adding: |
| 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.” | 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.” |
| 4.09pm GMT | 4.09pm GMT |
| 16:09 | 16:09 |
| Ted Cruz, the Texan senator (and another failed Republican presidential contender), has also issued a statement on Castro: | Ted Cruz, the Texan senator (and another failed Republican presidential contender), has also issued a statement on Castro: |
| 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.” | 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.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.10pm GMT | at 4.10pm GMT |
| 3.58pm GMT | 3.58pm GMT |
| 15:58 | 15:58 |
| Former House speaker Newt Gingrich - who may be in the frame for a top job under President Trump - agrees with Marco Rubio: | 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. | 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 | 3.58pm GMT |
| 15:58 | 15:58 |
| Garry Kasparov, chairman of the Human Rights Foundation (and former chess champion), tweets: | Garry Kasparov, chairman of the Human Rights Foundation (and former chess champion), tweets: |
| 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. | 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. |
| Don't rationalize or apologize for Castro's decades of brutal repression, torture, and murder. He didn't fight for freedom; he destroyed it. | Don't rationalize or apologize for Castro's decades of brutal repression, torture, and murder. He didn't fight for freedom; he destroyed it. |
| History does not judge from the perspective of a dictator's followers and defenders, but from that of his victims. | History does not judge from the perspective of a dictator's followers and defenders, but from that of his victims. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.09pm GMT | at 4.09pm GMT |
| 3.50pm GMT | 3.50pm GMT |
| 15:50 | 15:50 |
| Trump hopes for a 'free Cuba' | Trump hopes for a 'free Cuba' |
| US president-elect, Donald Trump, has issued a statement about the death of Fidel Castro: | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | Updated |
| at 3.55pm GMT | at 3.55pm GMT |
| 3.49pm GMT | 3.49pm GMT |
| 15:49 | 15:49 |
| Amnesty calls Castro 'progressive but deeply flawed' | 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: | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 | Updated |
| at 3.56pm GMT | at 3.56pm GMT |
| 3.40pm GMT | 3.40pm GMT |
| 15:40 | 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. | 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: | 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.” | “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. | Earlier this year Rubio sought to become the Republican presidential candidate, but lost out to Donald Trump in the party’s primaries. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.55pm GMT | at 3.55pm GMT |
| 3.33pm GMT | 3.33pm GMT |
| 15:33 | 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”. | 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.” | 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 | Updated |
| at 3.41pm GMT | 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.” |