World leaders paid tribute to the Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro, describing him as an iconic figure of his time fiercely resisted colonialism and return Cuba to its own people.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Castro as “one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century”.
He tweeted:
Russian President Vladimir Putin hailed Castro’s name as the symbol of an entire era in modern history”.
This man of strength and wisdom always looked straight into the future,” it stressed. “He represented the highest ideals of a politician, citizen, and patriot who firmly believed in his cause,” he added.
French President Francois Hollande said that Castro embodied Cuba’s revolution in both its hopes and later disappointments.
An actor of the Cold War…he represented, for Cubans, pride in rejecting external domination. France, which denounced human rights violations, has always contested the embargo imposed on Cuba by the US,” he said.
Hailing Castro for his help and support in the struggle against apartheid regime, South African President Jacob Zuma said ““President Castro identified with our struggle against apartheid. He inspired the Cuban people to join us in our own struggle against apartheid.”
Echoing the “Hasta la Victoria Siempre” slogan, Nicolas Maduro, president of Venezula, tweeted :Sixty years after the departure of ‘Granma’ from Mexico, Fidel is now going to immortality of those who struggle throughout their lifetime.”