Various speakers highlighted the contributions made by the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution to the peoples’ liberation struggles and the fight for peace and social justice, during a symposium in honor of his 90th birthday.
Some 1,000 participants attended the conference “The ideas of Fidel, a historic legacy for humanity,” held July 26, in the auditorium of the Central Bank of Bolivia, located in La Paz’s historic center.
Bolivian legislator, Valeria Silva described Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution as an inspiration for all progressive movements in Latin America, and the world. “Fidel was only 26 years old when he led the assault on the Moncada Garrison, the same age as I am today,” recalled Bolivia’s youngest member or parliament, speaking to Prensa Latina.
According to Silva, Cuba has shown that revolution is an act of love.
Today, the island has armies of doctors saving lives, armies of teachers freeing the people from the yoke of ignorance and here in Bolivia we have been able to declare the country a territory free of illiteracy thanks to the support of Cuba, she stated.
The young MP also highlighted the island’s contribution to the Colombia peace process, aiming to bring a definitive end to the longest armed conflict on the continent.
Another participant, retired General Edwin de la Fuente, spoke about the principles and qualities of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, such as his ethics, lucidity, modesty and struggle for unity and social justice.
Fidel is not only a Cuban leader but also a Latin American and world leader, stated De la Fuente.
He also recalled Cuban resistance despite the unjust economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the island for over half a century.
The event was attended by representatives of the Bolivian government, members of parliament, political leaders, Cuban doctors, members of social organizations and representatives of the accredited diplomatic corps in the country.
The symposium is just one of various activities taking place in the country as part of a 19-day program of events celebrating the revolutionary leader’s 90th birthday.
(PL)