After decorating Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, René González, Fernando González and Antonio Guerrero, or the Five, as they are known internationally, with the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor of the Order of Marshall Andrés de Santa Cruz and Calahumana, Morales noted that they are also heroes of Latin America and Bolivia. The important distinction was also awarded to Colonel Orlando Cardoso Villavicencio.

For me, these five brothers are not only Cubans, but Latin Americans and heroes of all anti-imperialist struggles around the world, and it is an honor to receive them here at the Presidential Palace, stated Morales.

Your release not only represents a triumph for Cuba, but a victory for all our countries, commented Bolivia’s first indigenous president, who noted that it wasn’t until the people assumed power that the country saw the arrival of international personalities such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Adolfo Pérez Esquivel.

Morales recalled that we are in times of war and interventions, and stated that the United Nations has not fulfilled its commitment to guaranteeing peace throughout the world, while a small group of countries is attempting to resolve their problems by plundering other nations.

Here, over the coming days we are organizing a summit of our social movements – working for the good of Bolivia and all of humanity – to review our current situation, and actions to protect the planet and the environment.

We must unite, because only a united people will stop any interventionist scheme undertaken by powerful nations, he stressed.
According to Morales, U.S. President Barack Obama’s main enemies are social movements, which are preventing him from carrying out his imperialist plans.

In addition the Bolivian leader reiterated his opposition to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. on Cuba for over 50 years, demanding its immediate end; while also highlighting the principles and integrity of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro and of President, Raúl Castro.

We are very happy and proud to have you here, stated Morales in reference to the presence of the Five Heroes of the Republic of Cuba in Bolivia; who will complete an intense agenda of activities from October 5-9, including meetings with members of the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, students from the José Martí school, as well as friends of Cuba and representatives from Cuban missions in the country. They will also pay tribute to Argentine-Cuban guerrilla Ernesto “Che” Guevara at Vallegrande, where his remains and those of many of his comrades were buried for 30 years; as well as visit La Higuera, where the legendary revolutionary was murdered on October 9, 1967.

(Prensa Latina)

The head of state participated in the delivery of swords and batons to the new Generals of the Police at the National Academy, in the south of the capital, and during his speech he made reference to the Chilean position.

According to the president, questioning the power of the International Court of Justice, as Chile does, it is to ignore its powers, international law, peaceful coexistence and social justice.

Due to historical and legal reasons, the right to return to the Pacific Ocean is ours, said the president, who recalled that hopefully previous offerings by Chilean authorities can be fulfilled.

Morales also said the commission that left for The Hague to present arguments next week, comprises former presidents, ex foreign ministers and other authorities of the legislative and the executive and admitted: I wish we can all go.

Bolivia was born in 1825 as a republic bordering the Pacific Ocean, but a Chilean invasion in February 1879, snatched the whole of its coastline (400 kilometers) and 120,000 square kilometers of territory rich in minerals.

(Prensa Latina)