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His message of greeting says, in part:
“Russians know of your tremendous personal contribution to the cause of defending Cuban sovereignty and independence, forming the Cuban nation’s self-awareness, and promoting the prestige of the Republic on the international scene.
“You sacrificed your unique experience of political leadership and your ardent patriotism to the altar of the Fatherland, which is assuredly embarking on the road of social and economic progress.
“You became part of world history as quite a young man, on July 26, 1953. ‘History will absolve me,’ you said during the trial of the Moncada barracks attackers. Your prediction has come true—you have been one of the most active personages of recent history.
“I have warm memories of our meetings in hospitable Cuba last December, and I hope they will continue in Russia.”
On Mr Putin’s order, Presidential Executive Office Chief Alexander Voloshin delivered the message during a meeting with Fidel Castro in Havana.
August 14, 2001