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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)
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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at 11.52am GMT
11.17am GMT11.17am GMT
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Latest summaryLatest summary
Nadia KhomamiNadia 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 added that 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’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 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: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.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.‘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.Castro’s legacy: how the revolutionary inspired and appalled the world.
Divide and rule: Castro family torn by dysfunction and disagreements.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.‘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.Fidel Castro – from schoolboy to statesman, a life in pictures.
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10.57am GMT10.57am GMT
10:5710:57
Cuban government declares nine days of national mourningCuban government declares nine days of national mourning
The government has declared 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.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 GMT10.54am GMT
10:5410:54
Former Labour Cabinet minister and anti-apartheid leader Peter Hain, now Lord Hain, said: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.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.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 GMT10.53am GMT
10:5310:53
Michael D Higgins says Castro guided Cuba through remarkable changeMichael D Higgins says Castro guided Cuba through remarkable change
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: 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.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 GMT10.49am GMT
10:4910:49
The BBC’s world affairs editor, John Simpson, has tweeted: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.Castro hugely glamorous, v attractive, romantic, but a monster to anyone who thought or acted differently - gays, Christians, liberals.
10.30am GMT10.30am GMT
10:3010:30
Castro's ashes to be interred at the Santa Ifigenia cemeteryCastro's ashes to be interred at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery
Sam JonesSam 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.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 of November. A mass rally will be held in the capital at 7pm on 29 November. 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 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.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.
10.29am GMT
10:29
Jacob Zuma thanks Castro for support in overthrowing apartheid
South African President Jacob Zuma has thanked Castro for his help and support in the struggle to overthrow apartheid.
“President Castro identified with our struggle against apartheid. He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid,” Zuma said in a statement.
10.28am GMT
10:28
Francois Hollande says Castro was 'towering figure of 20th century'
French President Francois Hollande mourned the loss of a major figure on the world stage and welcomed the rapprochement between Havana and Washington, while noting concerns over human rights under the Castro regime.
“Fidel Castro was a towering figure of the 20th century. He incarnated the Cuban revolution, in both its hopes and subsequent disillusionments,” Hollande said.
“France, which condemned human rights abuses in Cuba, had equally challenged the US embargo on Cuba, and France was glad to see the two countries re-establish dialogue and open ties between themselves,” the Socialist party leader added in a statement.
Hollande met Fidel Castro in May, 2015 during the first ever visit by a French head of state to Cuba since the Cuban revolution.
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10.21am GMT
10:21
Putin praises Castro as ‘symbol of an era’
Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised Castro as the “symbol of an era,” the Kremlin has said.
“The name of this distinguished statesman is rightly considered the symbol of an era in modern world history,” Putin said in a telegram to Cuban President Raul Castro cited by the Kremlin. “Fidel Castro was a sincere and reliable friend of Russia.”
Putin said that Castro has managed to build a “free and independent Cuba” that “became an influential member of the international community and served as an inspiration for many countries and peoples.”
He hailed Castro as a “strong and wise person who always looked to the future with confidence,” adding: “He embodied the high ideals of a politician, a citizen and a patriot sincerely convinced of the rightness of the cause to which he dedicated his whole life.
“His memory will forever remain in the hearts of the citizens of Russia.”
Putin also said that Castro had made a “huge personal contribution” in the establishment and development of the countries’ bilateral relations.
Updated
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10.19am GMT
10:19
Countless iconic photos of Castro are being shared on social media. Here he is with Che Guevara, Ernest Hemingway, Muhammad Ali, and Malcolm X.
Fidel Castro bersama Che Guevara, Ernest Hemingway, Muhammad Ali, dan Malcom X. pic.twitter.com/zHa3J107G9
10.15am GMT
10:15
A few years ago Sam Jones, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent, interviewed Ciro Bustos, the man long blamed for betraying Che Guevara in Bolivia. The full interview can be read here, but the below segment reveals differences in manner between Castro and Guevara, the twin titans of the Cuban revolution.
Ciro Bustos was 26 and at his in-laws’ house for a barbecue one spring Sunday in 1958 when he first heard the voice. It belonged to a fellow Argentinian, a doctor four years his senior who was fighting alongside Fidel Castro in the mountains of south-eastern Cuba.
As he listened to the radio, the young artist was struck by the contrast between the grandiloquence of the Cuban and the quiet, almost apologetic tones of the Argentinian.
“The way Che spoke, the way he answered questions, was totally different from Castro,” says Ciro, whose recollection of the broadcast has not been blunted by the intervening half-century.
“There was no bombast, no prima donna attitude. It was like talking to your brother, so normal and so calm. That was what moved me so much.”
9.54am GMT
09:54
Vladimir Putin has reportedly praised Castro as the “symbol of an era”.
#BREAKING Russia president Putin praises late Cuba leader Fidel Castro as 'symbol of an era'
Vladimir #Putin praises #Castro as a 'symbol of an era', #Kremlin sources say - AFP
9.52am GMT
09:52
The government of El Salvador has expressed “eternal gratitude” to Castro and the Cuban people for help “in the most difficult times”.
A statement said Castro’s “example will live forever in our struggles and will flower in the noble ideas of new generations.”
Updated
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9.49am GMT
09:49
Hage Geingob, the president of Namibia, has tweeted:
The death of #Fidel signals the end of an era. Our comrade is no more but his revolutionary legacy will remain with Namibia forever. pic.twitter.com/VX6v4AjQbw
9.46am GMT
09:46
Jonathan Watts
Newspapers, TV stations and websites in every country will be dominated by the death and its implications over the coming days. Among the key questions:
Where will he be buried? Possibly the cemetery in Santiago de Cuba. I visited earlier this year and saw workers renovating the area and access roads. But the resting place has not been confirmed. A guide at Birán - Fidel’s birthplace - claimed he wanted to be buried there.
What will be the political impact? Diplomats in Havana do not expect a huge change in the short term, but the death will underscore the need for the revolutionary generation to move on and could embolden democracy activists.
What next for the Castro family? Raúl Castro has said he will hand over power at the end of his current term, but the ruling family have many other powerful positions in government and business that they will no doubt like to hang on to.
How will this affect Cuba’s relations with the US? Very little. Fidel Castro was already diplomatically sidelined and unhappy about Cuba’s warmer ties with Washington. The election of Donald Trump will be a much bigger factor in determining whether those links continue to improve.
Updated
at 10.33am GMT
9.40am GMT
09:40
Jonathan Watts
Most of Latin America is still asleep, but as people wake to the news of Fidel Castro’s death there will undoubtedly be a sense of an era passing not just for Cuba but for the entire region.
For some, particularly on the left, there will be shock, albeit tempered by the fact that Castro was long retired and publicly said his goodbyes earlier this year. Others - on the right and among the exile community in Miami - have been hoping for this day for decades, but may still feel the loss of a figure who dominated much of their political lives.
Castro’s influence in Latin America was enormous, though it has waned, particularly in the last year as Brazil and Argentina have shifted towards the right. The last of the major guerrilla movements he inspired - Colombia’s Farc - recently signed a peace deal. Even in Cuba, his anti-imperial revolution has been watered down by his brother Raúl’s economic reforms and rapprochement with the United States.
Nonetheless, mourning is likely to be declared by leaders such as Evo Morales in Bolivia, Nicolas Maduro in Nicaragua and Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua who were inspired or helped by Castro.
Updated
at 10.01am GMT