New York, 29 November 2016.- The United Nations General Assembly started off its session today observing a minute of silence to pay homage to the recently deceased leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.
The President of this Organ, Ambassador Peter Thomson from Fiji, conveyed condolences to the Cuban people and Government and requested that the formal session corresponding to Agenda item 35 “Question of Palestine”, would start with the tribute to Commander Fidel.
The decease of the Cuban leader has generated reactions of grief among UN officials including the President of the General Assembly who issued a statement emphasizing, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Fidel Castro and I wish to express my sincere condolences to his family, including his brother President Raul Castro, as well as the Government and People of Cuba”.
“Fidel Castro was one of the iconic leaders of the 20th century", stated President Thomson. “With a great love for his homeland and the Cuban people, he dedicated his life to their welfare and development.”
“A tireless advocate for equity in the international arena, Fidel Castro was an inspirational figure for developing countries in particular,” he added, saying that “his dedication to their advancement, especially in the fields of education and health, would be long remembered.”
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations