President of Cuba (1961 – 2011)

Translated from Spanish by YAF

Arafat’s Death:  “a harsh blow for the progressive movement worldwide”

In a message of condolence to Palestinian Legislative Council Speaker and Acting President of the Palestinian National Authority, Rawhi Fattouh, Cuban President Fidel Castro expressed his profound grief, describing Yasser Arafat’s death, as “a harsh blow for the progressive movement worldwide.”

Castro recalled that for more than four decades, Arafat led the Palestinian people’s struggle for an independent state, with East Jerusalem as its capital and defended the just demand of all the refugees forced to abandon their ancestral land to return to their native homes.

Describing Arafat as a “close friend”, Castro declared that the late Palestinian leader is an example of a tireless fighter for the right of a people to freedom and independence. “We reiterate,” he added, “our unwavering solidarity and support for the just cause of the Palestinian people and our commitment to continue strengthening the fraternal links that unite our peoples.”