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2016 November 23 - 29 TOP3 [JCP]

Shii mourns death of former Cuban President Castro

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on November 27 issued a statement of condolence on the death of former Cuban President Fidel Castro.

The full text of Shii’s statement is as follows:

I felt deep sorrow at hearing the news that former Cuban leader Fidel Castro passed away. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family as well as to the government and the people of Cuba.

Fidel Castro helped bring about the Cuban revolution which defeated the dictatorial Batista government and made an enormous contribution to the construction of a new Cuban society which placed importance on maintaining progressive medical and education services in spite of unjust U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, he made a significant mark on the further development of the non-aligned movement which seeks a peaceful order based on the UN Charter and a democratic international economic order.

In 2010, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) was established with all 33 nations in the region participating. With this formation, the region, which used to be called “America’s backyard”, has been transformed into a peaceful community independent of the United States. In this historic change, it is unquestionable that Cuba, which firmly respects other’s independence and right to self-determination, has played a vital role.

Remembering the historical footprints of former President Castro, I hope from the bottom of my heart that Cuba will succeed in its efforts for nation building.

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Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on November 28 visited the Cuban Embassy in Tokyo to offer his condolences on the death of former Cuban President Castro.

Shii signed the book of condolences and conveyed to Counsellor Elizabeth Miranda that Vice Chair Ogata Yasuo will attend a memorial rally scheduled to be held on November 29 in Havana, Cuba.