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Fidel Castro: world reacts to death of Cuban leader – live updates Fidel Castro: world reacts to death of Cuban leader – live updates
(35 minutes later)
9.34am GMT
09:34
There has not yet been any reaction to Castro’s death from the White House. The US, in particular the CIA, reportedly considered or launched more than 600 assassination attempts on Castro over decades, including using poison pills, toxic cigars and exploding molluscs. His eventual death was long considered by the US to be the “biological solution” to communism in the Caribbean country.
But in December 2014, Obama and Raul Castro announced an extraordinary rapprochement in US-Cuban relations, promising to restore diplomatic ties and bring the two nations into a more congenial relationship. An end to the US’s 58-year embargo of Cuba, however, is dependent on Congress, where many remain opposed to normalising relations with Havana as long as any Castro is in power.
9.29am GMT
09:29
Gorbachev hails Castro for ‘strengthening’ Cuba
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has hailed Castro for “strengthening” his island nation. Interfax news agency quoted Gorbachev as saying:
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.
Gorbachev added that Castro would be remembered as a “prominent politician” who managed to leave a “deep mark in the history of mankind.”
The Kremlin has not yet reacted to Castro’s death.
9.20am GMT
09:20
Former Labour trade minister Brian Wilson said Castro had sent out a “beacon of hope” to Latin America.
He educated his people and he gave them healthcare they had never had before, and you can admire all of that without being an uncritical supporter, believe me, but do not lose the bigger picture - that Fidel Castro, for his region and for oppressed people throughout the world, sent out a message of hope.
Wilson led efforts to normalise trade links with Cuba and shared an Old Havana whisky with the president at one meeting. “He proposed a toast to Tony Blair and the third way, I proposed a toast to peace and socialism,” he told the Today programme.
9.15am GMT
09:15
Ken Livingstone calls Castro 'absolute giant of 20th century'
Former London mayor Ken Livingstone has said Castro was an “absolute giant of the 20th century” and blamed the US for the restrictions on civil liberties under his leadership. Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Livingstone said:
I’m sure they will, over time, move towards something like a traditional west European democracy. It could have happened a lot earlier if you hadn’t had, the entire time, a blockade by America, attempts to overthrow the regime, eight assassination attempts authorised by American presidents.
Livingstone said Cuba could reform now it was not under threat of American invasion “even if Trump goes a little bit bonkers”. He added:
Of course Fidel did things that were wrong... Initially he wasn’t very good on lesbian and gay rights, but the key things that mattered was that people had a good education, good healthcare and wealth was evenly distributed.
He was not living as a billionaire laundering money off into a Panamanian bank account or anything like that, he was good for the people.
Updated
at 9.32am GMT
9.11am GMT
09:11
Castro has cast a shadow over Miami for decades, and in many ways, his policy and his power have shaped the city and its inhabitants, the Associated Press reports.
Cubans fled to Miami, Tampa, New Jersey and elsewhere after Castro took power in 1959. Some were loyalists of Fulgencio Batista while others left with the hope they would be able to return after Castro was toppled. But he never was.
Many others believed they would not be truly free under Castro and his communist regime. Thousands left behind their possessions, loved ones, and hard-earned educations and businesses, traveling to the US by plane, boat or raft. Many Cubans died on the ocean trip to South Florida. And many never returned to see their childhood homes, their neighborhoods, their playgrounds, their businesses, their cousins and aunts and uncles, because Castro was still in power.
The ones that made it to Miami took a largely, and vehemently, anti-Castro stance.
On New Year’s Eve every year, Cubans in Miami utter a toast in Spanish as they hoist glasses of liquor: “Next year in Cuba.” But as the Cuban exiles aged, and as Castro outlived them, and as Barack Obama eroded the embargo and younger Cubans returned to the island, the toast rang silent in many households.
So news of Castro’s death has long been anticipated by exiles in Miami.
9.02am GMT9.02am GMT
09:0209:02
Meanwhile, celebrations are abound in Miami’s Little Havana, where the largest diaspora of Cuban exiles live. It is presently 4am in Florida. Meanwhile, celebrations abound in Miami’s Little Havana, where the largest diaspora of Cuban exiles live. It is currently 4am in Florida.
Cubans march down Calle Ocho in Little Havana in Miami celebrating Fidel Castro's death (raining & almost 2am but that won't stop the party) pic.twitter.com/LxvWAuxGsOCubans march down Calle Ocho in Little Havana in Miami celebrating Fidel Castro's death (raining & almost 2am but that won't stop the party) pic.twitter.com/LxvWAuxGsO
Updated
at 9.19am GMT
8.58am GMT8.58am GMT
08:5808:58
The Nelson Mandela foundation has sent its condolences to the people and government of Cuba. Remember, Mandela said the Cuban revolution was “a source of inspiration for all those who value freedom”. “We admire the sacrifices of the Cuban people in maintaining their independence and sovereignty in the face of the vicious imperialist and orchestrated campaign to destroy the awesome force of the Cuban revolution,” he said. “Long live the Cuban Revolution! Long live comrade Fidel Castro!” Mandela Foundation sends its condolences to Cuba
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has sent its condolences to the people and government of Cuba. Remember, Mandela said the Cuban revolution was “a source of inspiration for all those who value freedom”. “We admire the sacrifices of the Cuban people in maintaining their independence and sovereignty in the face of the vicious imperialist and orchestrated campaign to destroy the awesome force of the Cuban revolution,” he said. “Long live the Cuban Revolution! Long live comrade Fidel Castro!”
#NelsonMandela Foundation sends deepest condolences to the people & government of Cuba on passing of Fidel Castro https://t.co/5R3ySxl3MA pic.twitter.com/YeLt2zaw7f#NelsonMandela Foundation sends deepest condolences to the people & government of Cuba on passing of Fidel Castro https://t.co/5R3ySxl3MA pic.twitter.com/YeLt2zaw7f
Updated
at 9.32am GMT
8.51am GMT8.51am GMT
08:5108:51
Spanish government express condolences
The Spanish government has just expressed its condolences to Cuba, writes Sam Jones in Madrid.The Spanish government has just expressed its condolences to Cuba, writes Sam Jones in Madrid.
In a measured statement released this morning, the foreign ministry said:In a measured statement released this morning, the foreign ministry said:
A figure of great historic importance has gone, a man who brought about a turning point in the country’s evolution and whose great influence was felt across the region. As the son of Spanish parents, former President Castro always maintained strong links with Spain and was bound by ties of blood and culture.A figure of great historic importance has gone, a man who brought about a turning point in the country’s evolution and whose great influence was felt across the region. As the son of Spanish parents, former President Castro always maintained strong links with Spain and was bound by ties of blood and culture.
Updated
at 9.33am GMT
8.50am GMT8.50am GMT
08:5008:50
“I first met Fidel Castro when I secured the right to export Cuban cigars to Asia,” David Tang wrote in the Guardian earlier this month. “It was around 1992. We were driven to meet him in one of his homes, as he was very supportive of the Cuban cigar industry. It was a sort of bunker on the outskirts of Havana. We went downstairs into a basement that looked out on to a lowered garden, which was very beautiful.“I first met Fidel Castro when I secured the right to export Cuban cigars to Asia,” David Tang wrote in the Guardian earlier this month. “It was around 1992. We were driven to meet him in one of his homes, as he was very supportive of the Cuban cigar industry. It was a sort of bunker on the outskirts of Havana. We went downstairs into a basement that looked out on to a lowered garden, which was very beautiful.
“I arrived for dinner at around 7pm, and he was there with two interpreters, standing beside him, one at each shoulder. They would translate as we spoke – there had to be two; he talked so much that one on his own would get very tired. We stayed standing up and talking for more than two hours, by which time the two interpreters were absolutely exhausted, so two new ones were brought in. I was amazed that anybody could talk so much.“I arrived for dinner at around 7pm, and he was there with two interpreters, standing beside him, one at each shoulder. They would translate as we spoke – there had to be two; he talked so much that one on his own would get very tired. We stayed standing up and talking for more than two hours, by which time the two interpreters were absolutely exhausted, so two new ones were brought in. I was amazed that anybody could talk so much.
“He was utterly charming, but quite intimidating, with his enormous stature, military uniform and impressive beard. His speech was a bit rambling and he would gesticulate a lot with his hands, but he was never boring – in fact, he had me spellbound.”“He was utterly charming, but quite intimidating, with his enormous stature, military uniform and impressive beard. His speech was a bit rambling and he would gesticulate a lot with his hands, but he was never boring – in fact, he had me spellbound.”
Click below to read the full piece.Click below to read the full piece.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.57am GMTat 8.57am GMT
8.39am GMT8.39am GMT
08:3908:39
The Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sánchez has tweeted: “Only a few hours left until the first dawn of my life without Fidel Castro.”The Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sánchez has tweeted: “Only a few hours left until the first dawn of my life without Fidel Castro.”
#Cuba Faltan varias horas para el primer amanecer sin Fidel Castro que he vivido en mi vida... pic.twitter.com/AM7nXiWFBc#Cuba Faltan varias horas para el primer amanecer sin Fidel Castro que he vivido en mi vida... pic.twitter.com/AM7nXiWFBc
8.37am GMT
08:37
Nadia Khomami
Good morning to all of you joining us in London or anywhere else in the world.
Today’s breaking news is that Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary icon, has died at the age of 90. I’m taking over the liveblog from Claire now. Stay tuned for all the key reactions and developments from 2016’s latest twist.
I’ll try to keep an eye on your comments below the line, or you can contact me on Twitter @nadiakhomami.
Updated
at 8.50am GMT
8.09am GMT
08:09
What we know so far
Claire Phipps
At 10.29 at night, the chief commander of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, died.
Ever onward, to victory!
8.02am GMT
08:02
World leaders have been tweeting in response to the death of Fidel Castro.
Enrique Peña Nieto, president of Mexico
“I lament the passing of Fidel Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban revolution and emblem of the 20th century.
“Fidel Castro was a friend of Mexico, promoter of a bilateral relationship based on respect, dialogue and solidarity.”
Lamento el fallecimiento de Fidel Castro Ruz, líder de la Revolución cubana y referente emblemático del siglo XX.
Fidel Castro fue un amigo de México, promotor de una relación bilateral basada en el respeto, el diálogo y la solidaridad.
Nicolás Maduro, president of Venezuela
“To all the revolutionaries of the world, we have to continue his legacy and his flag of independence, of socialism, of homeland.”
A tod@s l@s Revolucionari@s del Mundo nos toca seguir con su Legado y su Bandera de Independencia,de Socialismo,de Patria Humana...
Rafael Correa, president of Ecuador
“He was a great one. Fidel is dead. Long live Cuba! Long live Latin America!”
Se fue un grande. Murió Fidel.¡Viva Cuba! ¡Viva América Latina!
Updated
at 8.03am GMT
7.45am GMT
07:45
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Cuban-American elected to Congress, says Castro’s death is an opportunity to “write a new chapter in the history of Cuba”:
The day that the people, both inside the island and out, have waited for has arrived: A tyrant is dead and a new beginning can dawn on the last remaining communist bastion of the Western hemisphere…
Those who still rule Cuba with an iron grip may attempt to delay the island’s liberation, but they cannot stop it.
Tyrant + thug #FidelCastro is dead. We must work for a #Cuba that is free, democratic, and prosperous. My statement: https://t.co/04CCqZErTA
7.33am GMT
07:33
Raúl Castro, brother of Fidel Castro and his successor as president, appeared on Cuban state television late on Friday night to break the news of his death.
Wearing green military uniform, Raúl Castro announced:
At 10.29 at night, the chief commander of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, died.
He did not give a cause of death but ended with a revolutionary slogan:
Ever onward, to victory!
7.27am GMT
07:27
Associated Press in Havana has some reaction from Cubans to the breaking news:
Carlos Rodriguez, 15, was sitting in Havana’s Miramar neighbourhood when he heard that Fidel Castro had died.
“Fidel? Fidel?” he said, slapping his head in shock. “That’s not what I was expecting. One always thought that he would last forever. It doesn’t seem true.”
“It’s a tragedy,” said 22-year-old nurse Dayan Montalvo. “We all grew up with him. I feel really hurt by the news that we just heard.”
7.15am GMT
07:15
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has tweeted his condolences on the death of Castro, whom he called “one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century” and “a great friend”:
I extend my deepest condolences to the Government & people of Cuba on the sad demise of Fidel Castro. May his soul rest in peace.
We stand in support with the Cuban Government and people in this tragic hour.
Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend.
7.10am GMT
07:10
In March this year, Barack Obama became the first US president to visit Cuba since the revolution of 1959 and Castro’s ascent.
¿Que bolá Cuba? Just touched down here, looking forward to meeting and hearing directly from the Cuban people.
He did not see or speak to Fidel Castro, but did hold a number of meetings with Raúl Castro.
After the complicated visit, Fidel Castro published a dismissive response to Obama’s overtures, calling them “honey-coated” and arguing that Cubans would not forget “a ruthless blockade that has now lasted for almost 60 years”:
No one should be under the illusion that the people of this noble and selfless country will renounce its glory and its rights, and the spiritual wealth that is has gained with the development of education, science and culture.
6.58am GMT
06:58
Celebrations in Little Havana
Little Havana, the Miami neighbourhood home to many Cubans in exile in the US, is celebrating tonight (it’s around 2am there now).
Starting to be a real crowd outside Versailles in Little Havana, cars stopping to honk and cheer "Cuba Libre!" (And "el viejo murió!") pic.twitter.com/pzBvC4fdNV
Hundreds gathering in Little Havana at Versailles, honking horns, banging pots and pans, waving Cuban and U.S. flags. Cheers. #FidelCastro pic.twitter.com/QUnJI6KnT1
6.51am GMT
06:51
Here’s how the Guardian (the Manchester Guardian, as it then was) reported the arrival of Fidel Castro into Havana on 8 January 1959.
Alistair Cooke reported:
Cuba is unlikely to recognise the Soviet Union “or any other dictatorship” as long as it is busy, which it seemed to be to-day, creating a provisional dictatorship of its own. It was Fidel Castro, the conquering rebel, who passed the snubbing remark about the Communists to-day, while his appointed president, Judge Manuel Urrutia Lleo, was dissolving the Congress and the courts and having his Cabinet draft decrees that will abolish all political parties and ban from future office all candidates in the 1954 and 1958 elections held under the auspices of the departed President Batista.
The Cabinet announced yesterday that the country will be ruled by decree for 18 months or two years, by which time – it hopes – Cuba will be ready for free elections and a go at democracy …
Meanwhile the hero himself, who has renounced all desire for “power” and is content to be the armed forces Chief of Staff, was enjoying a slow approach to Havana as thousands cheered.
For the moment, Castro is the living symbol of release from an interminably brutal and corrupt dictatorship, which was all the more dolorous in that its leader had appeared, not too many years ago, in the liberating image of Castro himself. The press and people of the United States defer only to the Cubans in their excessive celebration of a new Latin American hero; possibly because Castro looks so young and modern, and talks so gallantly: probably because on its face his victory represents the straightforward triumph of truth and heroism in a complicated world.