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UN chief offers condolences to Cuba over death of Fidel Castro

Xinhua, November 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Saturday extended his condolences to the Cuban people, saying he was saddened to learn of the death of Fidel Castro, former president of Cuba.

Castro, a Cuban revolutionary leader, died late Friday at the age of 90.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ban said as "an emblematic figure of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro was prominent in Latin America and influential in world affairs."

As Prime Minister, President, Commander of the Cuban Armed Forces and First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party, his role at the helm of Cuba spanned nearly 50 years, during which he left a major imprint on his country and on global politics," said the statement.

"President Fidel Castro will be remembered for his leadership of the Cuban revolution and for advances in Cuba in the fields of education, literacy and health," it added.

While extending his condolences to the Cuban people, Ban said he offers the support of the United Nations to work alongside the Cuban people.

"The Secretary-General hopes Cuba will continue to advance on a path of reform, greater prosperity and human rights," said the statement. Endit