- Title: Fidel Castro mourned in Quito
- Date: 28th November 2016
- Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PRESIDENT OF ECUADOREAN HOUSE OF CULTURE, RAUL PEREZ TORRES, SAYING: "Right now we are paying homage in this space, the original House of Ecuadorean Culture, because we think that the ideology of Fidel ought to be adopted by all people. And I think that one of his most important legacies, in his revolutionary behaviour, is honesty, his magnificent presence, and the necessity to bring together the countries of our Americas, which was always his idea, as it was the idea of (Jose) Marti, of (Simon) Bolivar. And in that way, we are paying homage." VARIOUS OF WOMAN WRITING GOODBYE MESSAGE TO FIDEL CASTRO MESSAGES TO THE CUBAN PEOPLE, AS SEEN ON THE CUBAN EMBASSY IN QUITO PEOPLE ENTERING EMBASSY FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS ALONGSIDE PHOTOS OF FIDEL CASTRO INSIDE EMBASSY VARIOUS OF PEOPLE SIGNING CONDOLENCES BOOK WOMEN POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPHS IN FRONT OF CONDOLENCES BOOK MORE OF CONDOLENCES BOOK VARIOUS OF PHOTOS OF CASTRO INSIDE EMBASSY
- Embargoed: 13th December 2016 01:31
- Keywords: Fidel Castro Ecuador Quito Rafael Correa Latin left
- Location: QUITO, ECUADOR
- City: QUITO, ECUADOR
- Country: Ecuador
- Topics: Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA0025A7ZO7B
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The legacy of Fidel Castro has always been felt far beyond the island of Cuba. His stature as a luminary throughout Latin America was on full display in Quito Sunday (November 27) as Ecuadoreans gathered outside the National Theatre for a tribute concert, and signed a book of condolences at the Cuban embassy.
Ecuador is currently led by leftist President Rafael Correa, who is part of a generation of leftist leaders that sought continuous inspiration from Cuba's revolutionary leader. And unlike in other sites, such as Miami, there have been no public displays of celebration in Ecuador over the controversial leader's death.
A towering figure of the 20th century and Cold War icon, Castro stuck to his ideology beyond the collapse of Soviet communism and remained widely respected in parts of the world that struggled against colonial rule.
Castro had been in poor health since an intestinal ailment nearly killed him in 2006. He formally ceded power to his younger brother, Raul, two years later.
Wearing a green military uniform, a somber Raul, 85, appeared on state television on Friday night to announce Fidel's death, 60 years to the day since the two brothers and dozens of supporters left Mexico on a boat to take revolution to Cuba.
A mix of tributes and condemnation poured in from allies and foes around the world.
There will be no top level games of baseball - Castro's passion after politics - for the nine-day mourning period, the sport's national federation declared.
And in Ecuador, a concert was organised outside the Ecuadorean House of Culture, where Castro once visited.
"Right now we are paying homage in this space, the original House of Ecuadorean Culture, because we think that the ideology of Fidel ought to be adopted by all people. And I think that one of his most important legacies, in his revolutionary behaviour, is honesty, his magnificent presence, and the necessity to bring together the countries of our Americas, which was always his idea, as it was the idea of (Jose) Marti, of (Simon) Bolivar. And in that way, we are paying homage," said Raul Perez Torres, the house's president.
The bearded Fidel Castro took power in a 1959 revolution and ruled Cuba for 49 years with a mix of charisma and iron will, creating a one-party state and becoming a central figure in the Cold War.
He was demonized by the United States and its allies for his repression of dissent at home and support of rebellion abroad, but admired by many leftists around the world, especially in Latin America and Africa.
Cuba has declared nine days of mourning, during which time Castro's ashes will be taken to different parts of the country. A burial ceremony will be held on Dec. 4. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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