Farewell to one of the most faithful revolutionaries

During the funeral service, the first honor guard was led by José Ramón Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Party Central Committee and vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers
Author: Yudy Castro Morales | internet@granma.cu
september 30, 2015 09:09:40

Floral wreaths were placed alongside the ashes of the outstanding revolutionary, Jorge Risquet, on behalf of the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro and Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers.

Photo: Jorge Luis González

The Cuban people paid posthumous tribute this Tuesday, September 29, to devoted revolutionary Jorge Risquet Valdés-Saldaña. The Veterans’ Pantheon at the Colón Cemetery is Havana, saw a moving tribute by family, friends, compañeros and important leaders of the Party and government.
During the funeral service, the first honor guard was led by José Ramón Machado Ventura, second secretary of the Party Central Committee and vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers; member of the Party Political Bureau Miguel Díaz-Canel, first vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers; and the Ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, Corps General Leopoldo Cintra Frías; and the Heroine of the Republic of Cuba, Brigadier General Teté Puebla.
Other figures and friends also guarded the ashes of the prominent internationalist and founder of the Communist Party of Cuba, next to which were placed floral wreaths on behalf of the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro and Army General Raúl Castro, President of the Councils of State and Ministers.
Similarly, wreaths were sent by the ambassadors of Algeria, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Benin, among others, as an undeniable sign of affection and consideration on the part of these African countries, which Jorge Risquet defended throughout his life.
His ashes will be transferred to the Mausoleum of the Frank País Second Eastern Front at a later date.

Cuban Revolutionary Jorge Risquet Valdés-Saldaña Dies in Havana

Havana.- Cuban revolutionary Jorge Risquet Valdés-Saldaña died of cancer Monday morning in Havana at the age of 85.

In 1943, at the age of 13, Risquet joined the revolutionary youth movement, in which he carried out responsibilities as a member of Socialist Youth and of the People’s Socialist Party. He served as chief editor of the newspaper “Mella”, and secretary general of the Socialist Youth’s National Committee.

Before the triumph of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, he was arrested on several occasions for his revolutionary activities. Henchmen of the Batista dictatorship kidnapped and tortured him and in 1958, he joined the Rebel Army as a combatant with the “Frank País” Second Eastern Front.

After 1959, Jorge Risquet represented Cuba and Latin America at the World Federation of Democratic Youth. A founder of the Cuban Communist Party, Risquet led the Cuban delegation at the tripartite negotiations that led to the independence of Angola and several other African countries from South Africa’s Apartheid regime. (RHC)

Raúl’s attendance at UN General Assembly confirmed
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez confirms President Raúl Castro’s plans to travel to United Nations headquarters in New York, during a press conference in Havana, while also addressing other issues

Author: Laura Bécquer Paseiro | laura@granma.cu
september 16, 2015 15:09:07

Photo: Yaimí Ravelo
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez announced today in a press conference that Cuban President Raúl Castro will participate in the United Nations General Assembly sessions and high level discussion, on September 25 and 28, respectively.
During his stay in New York, the Army General and President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers will additionally attend a conference on the empowerment of women, and hold meetings with sectors of U.S. society and representatives of the solidarity with Cuba movement, Rodríguez said.
He also reported that the General Assembly sessions this year will be focused on the post-2015 development agenda, and are taking place within the context of the United Nations’ 70th anniversary.
On another issue, Rodríguez described Pope Francis’ visit to Cuba as an “extraordinary event,” emphasizing, “Cuba will welcome Francis with respect and solidarity.”
He highlighted the role played by the Pontiff in the process of reestablishing diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States.
During the press conference, which took place at the Foreign Ministry, Rodríguez referred to the report Cuba has prepared on the need to end the blockade, to be submitted to the international community, at the UN General Assembly, October 27.
Rodríguez, said that the report this year includes two new paragraphs hailing the reestablishment of bilateral relations with the United States, and acknowledging President Barack Obama’s willingness to work for the elimination of the blockade.
Nevertheless, he noted, the hostile policy remains in place, a violation of the civil rights of both Cubans and U.S. citizens.
Rodríguez denounced the current campaign against Venezuela, a part of a crusade against progressive and left governments which have made progress in asserting their sovereignty, emphasizing that Cuba categorically rejects interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela.