United Nations pay tribute to Fidel Castro

HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 1 (acn) The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon went to Cuba's Mission to the United Nations to sign the condolence book opened at the diplomatic headquarters on the death of Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro.

According to a statement from the UN Office of the Resident Coordinator in Cuba, Ban Ki-Moon expressed his sadness over the death of the former Cuban president and offered his condolences to his relatives and the Cuban people.

Fidel Castro was an emblematic figure of the Cuban revolution and a strong voice in favor of social justice who left an important mark in his country and in global politics, he wrote.

Also, António Guterres, next UN Secretary General, signed in New York the book of condolences for the death of the Cuban revolutionary leader.

Guterres, who was ratified on October by the General Assembly to take office from January 1, 2017, went to the headquarters of the Cuban Permanent Mission to the United Nations to pay homage to Fidel.

Peter Thomson, President of the UN General Assembly, affirmed that Fidel Castro was one of the most illustrious leaders of the 20th century, who had a deep love for his country and his people, and dedicated his life to their well-being and development.

He was a tireless defender of equality on the international stage and an inspiration for developing countries, his dedication to advancement, especially in the field of health, will always be remembered, Thomson said at a meeting of the General Assembly.

He then asked everyone present to observe a minute of silence in his memory.

Prensa Latina News Agency reports that diplomats from around 80 countries have signed the book of condolences for the death of leader Fidel Castro, opened on Monday at the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the UN, highlighting messages of pain, solidarity and recognition to the figure of Fidel Castro, for his commitment to peace, social inclusion and just causes of the peoples from the South.

The book of condolences will be open until December 4 at the Cuban Mission to the UN.