Fidel Castro: Tributes paid to '20th Century icon' and former Cuban leader

Iconic: Tributes have been paid to former Cuba leader Fidel Castro following his death
Rex Features
Jason Collie26 November 2016

Fidel Castro was hailed as "one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century" as politicians began to pay tribute to the former Cuban leader.

Castro's brother Raul - who succeeded him as President of Cuba - announced the socialist revolutionary's death on Friday, Cuban time.

Castro was 90.

Former Labour Cabinet minister and anti-apartheid leader Peter Hain, now Lord Hain, said: "Although responsible for indefensible human rights and free speech abuses, Castro created a society of unparalleled access to free health, education and equal opportunity despite an economically throttling USA siege.

"His troops inflicted the first defeat on South Africa's troops in Angola in 1988, a vital turning point in the struggle against apartheid."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: "Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend. I extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Cuba on the sad demise of Fidel Castro. May his soul rest in peace."

Fidel Castro - In pictures

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Former cricketer Imran Khan, who ran for the Pakistan presidency in 2013, said: "Today the world lost an iconic revolutionary leader, Fidel Castro, who liberated his nation from all vestiges of imperialism.

"Castro reasserted the Cuban nation's dignity and self worth that withstood US aggression and became a global leader for anti-colonial struggles."

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said: "Fidel Castro was a friend of Mexico, promoter of a bilateral relationship based on respect, dialogue and solidarity."

Salvador Sanchez Ceren, President of El Salvador, tweeted: "With deep sorrow we received news of the death of my dear friend and eternal companion, Commander Fidel Castro Ruz."

Additional reporting by the Press Association

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