PL

Havana, April 20 (RHC)-- The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People's Trade Agreement (ALBA-TCP) paid tribute to Army General Raúl Castro Ruz upon concluding his task as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC).

In a statement, the regional entity says that the member countries made "a just recognition to a life dedicated to the liberation of the peoples, to the struggle for social justice and international solidarity, which constitutes an example for future generations.

He added that the integration mechanism also benefited from the wisdom of the Cuban leader and his efforts to strengthen the Latin American and Caribbean alliance during his tenure as president of the Councils of State and Ministers of Cuba.

"We are convinced that Raul will continue to be a light that guides our steps on the road to the construction of a more just and humane society," the ALBA-TCP communiqué concluded.

Raul announced the cessation of his position as head of the Central Committee of the PCC with the satisfaction of handing over the country's leadership to a group of people prepared and committed to ethics, the values of the culture, and the nation.