Cuba Pays Official Tribute to Nelson Mandela

Cuban diplomatic official signing the condolence book at the South African embassy in Havana. Nelson Mandela often paid tribute to Cuba's role in the African Revolution., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Havana. December 10, 2013

Hasta Siempre, Madiba

• In the name of the Cuban government and people, Miguel

Díaz-Canel signed condolences book at South African embassy

CLAUDIA FONSECA SOSA
Granma International

FIRST Vice President Miguel Díaz Canel Bermúdez signed the condolences book at Havana’s South African embassy in posthumous tribute to former President Nelson Mandela.

"In Mandela, as Cubans, we recall the integral and valiant revolutionary," wrote Díaz-Canel. Foto: Juvenal Balán.

In the name of the Cuban government and people, Díaz Canel, member of the Communist Party Political Bureau, expressed the great loss to Cuba signified by the death of Mandela, a great friend.

"In Mandela, as Cubans, we recall the complete, valiant revolutionary, the political leader and defender of peace, social justice, equality. We also appreciate the untiring fighter, firm in his convictions," he wrote.

Díaz-Canel also made reference to Cuba’s modest contribution to liberation struggles in Africa and the defeat of the apartheid regime.

"Mandela recognized that we Cubans did not go there to colonize, but to share the same trenches."

Other signatories of the condolences book were Communist Party Political Bureau members Esteban Lazo Hernández and Abelardo Colomé Ibarra, President of the National Assembly of People's Power and Minister of the Interior, respectively.

Also present at the embassy were José Ramón Balaguer Cabrera, member of the Party Secretariat and head of its International Relations Department; Council of Ministers Vice Presidents Antonio E. Lusson and Ulises Rosales del Toro; and Acting Foreign Minister Marcelino Medina.

Napthal Manana, the South African ambassador in Havana, expressed his thanks for the solidarity shown by Cuban authorities and the people with his country’s government and the family of the deceased leader, who considered Cuba a great friend.