In commemoration of the 96th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro
Today, Saturday, August 13, the 96th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro is celebrated, the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, architect of the fundamental social transformations of Cuba, of Latin America and a solid inspiration for the peoples of the world in the struggle for dignity, sovereignty, liberation and national independence, for peace and friendship among peoples, for justice, for solidarity, for the definitive emancipation of the men and women of the world and for the struggle in the construction of Socialism.
His legacy is universal: Fidel is not only from Cuba, nor from Latin America, but also from the entire world. The greatness of his moral dimension has taught with his example that "principles are not negotiated, they are defended at any price".
Cuba's foreign policy is based on the preservation of its principles, which are not negotiable under any circumstances. Cuba is independent, no concessions are made because, as Fidel said:
…“The blockade is maintained. What is immoral about this US policy is that it intends to use the blockade as a negotiating tool with us”...
…“We are willing to resist worthily and selflessly the years that are necessary the imperialist blockade. If others compromise, if others allow themselves to be bribed, if others betray, Cuba will know how to maintain itself as an example of a revolution that does not give in, that does not sell out, that does not give up, that does not go down on its knees”…
… “Honor is not negotiated, the homeland is not negotiated, dignity is not negotiated, independence, sovereignty, history, glory are not negotiated!” “Principles are not negotiated”…
The Norwegian Association of Friendship and Solidarity with Cuba -Cubaforeningen i Norge- remembers today, Saturday August 13, 2022, the birth of an eminence of the 20th century: Commander Fidel Castro. A soldier of ideas, a great statesman, an unparalleled example of solidarity in the world, a tireless fighter for the sovereignty of peoples and his permanent internationalist contribution to peoples of the world without any interest.
Fidel's socialist Cuba is an example of struggle, dignity and sovereignty for the peoples of the world in areas such as education, health, social security, rights of women and children, management of natural disasters, environment, human rights, right to housing, right to participate fully in the cultural life of the country, right to be and live in peace.
Our greetings and solidarity in tribute to his memory and to the heroic and hard-working people of Cuba.
Cuba demonstrates -despite the criminal intensification of the US economic, commercial and financial blockade that has had a considerable impact on the life of the Cuban population, despite the Covid 19 pandemic, despite the media terrorism that seeks to destabilize and discredit the Cuban Revolution, and despite natural disasters-, that it continues to be a solidary and internationalist Cuba thanks to Fidel's legacy, that Cubans do not have to kneel before a foreign empire, and are worthy men and women, free, sovereign and proud to be Cubans. The legacy of Fidel and the heroic role of the Cuban working people demonstrates –once again- that a better world, that a socialist, anti-imperialist, free and sovereign society is possible to build. How to explain that a small island subjected to a fierce blockade has been the first country in Latin America to produce five vaccine candidates against Covid-19 and by its own means!
Cuba supported the fight against Covid-19 in 42 countries with 58 brigades, whose members joined the more than 28,000 Cuban health professionals who were already working in 59 nations. They saved thousands of lives in that fight and continue to do so today.
Fidel said: …“Our country does not launch bombs against other peoples, nor does it send thousands of planes to bomb cities; our country does not possess nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, or biological weapons. The tens of thousands of scientists and doctors in our country have been educated in the idea of saving lives”…
Fidel Castro is part of the history of Cuba, of the history of America and of world history. Fidel's thought and his legacy are today more valid than ever, his denial is to ignore the current and complex world context and its innumerable crises that are the result of the unjust world economic regime that threatens the well-being of the peoples.
There is no place in the world where Fidel's legacy has not left its mark. Fidel has been the moral, theoretical and practical inspiration for millions of men and women from all corners of the planet.
Although Fidel Castro is no longer physically with us, his legacy and revolutionary spirit will always be alive in every corner of the world where there are peoples who fight for a more just and supportive society.
Thank you, Fidel!
Long live socialist Cuba!
Long live international solidarity!
Board of Cubaforeningen i Norge
Oslo August 13, 2022