Tribute paid to Fidel Castro from the U.S.

In remembrance of the first anniversary of the physical disappearance of the Commander in Chief, Fidel Castro Ruz, Americans, Cubans and invitees from different latitudes convened on November 21 at the Embassy of Cuba in Washington DC to exchange on the legacy of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution and particularly on his contribution and endeavors throughout the years to improve the bilateral ties with the U.S.

 

The panel moderated by the Cuban Ambassador, José Ramón Cabañas had remarkable U.S. figures, who held talks with Fidel at different moments of his life. The panelists described from their personal experience, a man whose, altruism, intelligence, leadership and nobility proved to be indisputable.

 

Among the panelists attending was Gail Walker, IFCO/Pastors for Peace  Executive Director, Julia Sweig, expert in Latin-American studies and former member of the Council on Foreign Affairs and Peter Kornbluh, Director of the Archive's Cuba Documentation Project of the George Washington University National Security Archives and co-author of the book "Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations between Washington and Havana".

 

In their statements, the participants highlighted Fidel's willingness to seek a rapprochement with the U.S. without making concessions on Cuba's sovereignty or to any preconditions; the respect and significance attached to relations with the American people; and his capacity to hold dialogues with different U.S. figures.

 

Projects and moments of the Cuban Revolution marked by Fidel's signature were also underscored like the creation of the Latin American School of Medicine, the return to Cuba of Elián González and years later the return of Cuban Five imprisoned in the U.S. Cuba's solidarity and medical cooperation in the world, Cuba's commitment with Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean were also discussed, among other examples.

 

Latin-American, Caribbean and African Ambassadors attended this homage, and other diplomats accredited in Washington D.C., as well as scholars friends of Cuba and members of the Cuban community in the U.S.