Francois Hollande reiterates all embargoes against Cuba should be completely lifted

French President Francois Hollande reiterated on Saturday all the embargoes imposed by the United States against Cuba should be completely lifted.

Following the death of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, Hollande made these remarks during a press conference following the opening ceremony of the 16th Francophonie Summit held in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

"Although I often criticized Cuba for its human rights, I always considered the embargoes as an inacceptable unilateral decision," Hollande told the press.

"History aside, it's the future that counts," Hollande continued, adding that he wanted to reiterate, after learning the passing away of Fidel Castro, "the embargoes penalizing Cuba should be lifted, completely lifted."

The French president hopes that lifting embargoes would eventually allow Cuba an opening and a full re-integration into the international community.

"France always sees Cuba as a partner," Hollande said, explaining that was why he paid a visit last year to Cuba, to "end the cold war which was still ongoing in Cuba."

Hollande, who paid an official visit to Cuba on May 11 last year, was the first western leader to visit the Communist island country.

Speaking of Fidel Castro, Hollande said the Cuban revolutionary leader was "a grand personage of the 20th century. He brought up a lot of hopes with the Cuban revolution."

"He always wanted to, with pride, defend Cuba against external pressure," he said.

The French head of state expressed his condolences to Raul Castro and to the Cuban people.

Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro died at 0329 GMT Saturday at the age of 90. Endit