Former Cuba’s revolutionary leader Fidel Castro dies aged 90

Fidel Castro has died at the age of 90, Cuban state television has announced.

A revolutionary symbol, one of the world’s best-known and leaders, died late on Friday night after suffering a long battle with illness.

The revolutionary leader’s remains will be cremated early on Saturday, "in compliance with his expressed will", said Raul Castro-Cuban President, appearing in a green military uniform on the state television.

Fidel Castro, an revolutionary symbol, one of best-known leaders. Photo by Reuters.
Fidel Castro, an revolutionary symbol, one of best-known leaders. Photo by Reuters.

Fidel Castro was the leader of the revolutionary movement of the country, toppling Batista dictatorship in 1959.

After the establishment of Cuban in 1959, he became Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976. Between 1976 and 2008 he was Chairman of the State Council of Cuba.

From 1961 to 2011, Mr. Castro was also the First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party. Almost 10 years ago, he was hospitalized due to poor health conditions and his brother, Raul Castro, took over the leadership.

Fidel had succeeded in building a socialist country right next to the US coast, the country vehemently anti-social during the Cold War years from the 1950s to the early 1990s.

During five decades as the State leader of Cuba, he had repeatedly overcome and survived numerous US assassination attempts. Fidel survived through 9 different US presidents. In 1961, he defeated the Bay of Pig invasions by the CIA.

Mr. Fidel and General Vo Nguyen Giap, two revolutionary icons. Photo by Getty Images
Mr. Fidel and General Vo Nguyen Giap, two revolutionary icons. Photo by Getty Images

After nearly 50 years leading the country, Fidel resigned as chairman of the State Council and Commander of the Cuban People's Army on February 18, 2008.

Constantly seen in camouflage uniforms, Fidel was famous for hours-long heroic speeches.

In his last years, Fidel Castro no longer held the leadership position in this Caribbean country. But he regularly writes commentaries on issues of the world and sometimes met with foreign leaders when they visited Cuba.

Vietnamese State President visited Mr. Fidel. Photo by Reuters.
Vietnamese State President visited Mr. Fidel. Photo by Reuters.

Before his death, Fidel had witnessed one of the historical events when the Cuba - US relations experienced fine outcomes after decades.

In December, 2015, President Obama declared the restoration of full diplomatic relations between the two countries, however, the lifting of economic sanctions against Cuba has yet to be completed, awaiting for decisions of the US Congress.

PSN

Other News

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Vietnam supports UNESCO's people-centred approach, multilateral cooperation: official

Van affirmed Vietnam’s support for the UNESCO80 reform roadmap, focusing on the organisation’s core mandate, priority areas, interdisciplinary approach, and the special status of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and UNESCO representative offices, alongside efforts to diversify resources and strengthen global partnerships to enhance the organisation’s effectiveness.

Regional media highlight significant step in Vietnam’s leadership structure

Regional media highlight significant step in Vietnam’s leadership structure

Under General Secretary and President Lam’s leadership, Vietnam is expected to maintain a balanced foreign policy, strengthen its regional standing and accelerate economic development, thereby improving living standards and creating new opportunities for international investors, according to the India-based platform Devdiscourse.

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos identifies 10 key tasks to build independent, self-reliant economy

Laos will step up agricultural production to ensure food security, meet domestic demand and expand exports; encourage the development of agro-processing industries, including those related to rubber, aquatic products, cassava and sugarcane, as well as fertiliser and animal feed production, in order to increase added value and create jobs in rural areas.

Malaysia steps up cyber security resilience

Malaysia steps up cyber security resilience

To ensure accountability, Malaysia plans to finalise the Cybercrime Bill this year which addresses both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled offences, introducing stricter penalties and prison terms to enhance deterrence.

US public opinion positive about PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit

US public opinion positive about PM Pham Minh Chinh’s visit

Public opinion in the US is generally positive about Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s trip to the US from September 17-23 to attend the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, which took place immediately after the upgrading of the Vietnam - US relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership on the occasion of US President Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam.