Dominican movement highlights the legacy of Fidel Castro

Santo Domingo, 14 August (RHC) The Dominican United Left Movement (MIU) on Tuesday highlighted the legacy of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro (1926-2016), as it commemorated the 98th anniversary of his birth.

 Together with the Cuban people, its government and its revolution, we celebrate the life of Fidel Castro, "because his legacy is permanent and will continue to be a guide for the struggle of the peoples against external interference, colonialism, interventionism and fascism," the MIU posted on its social networks.

The political grouping led by Miguel Mejia claimed that the revolutionary and statesman's thought continues to inspire and guide the people's struggle for independence, sovereignty, self-determination and peace.

Keeping his legacy alive "is our mission in terms of unity and solidarity," Mejia said.

Fidel Castro's visit to the Dominican Republic, a few months after the restoration of bilateral diplomatic relations on April 16, 1998, reaffirmed the common will for unity and integration.

Fidel, who would have been 98 years old on Tuesday, traveled to the Dominican Republic during the first administration of former President Leonel Fernandez.

Ties between the neighboring countries were broken in 1960 during the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo (1930-1961).

"What can I tell you? I find myself here and I can hardly believe it: it was a lifelong dream. One of the first things I learned when I entered the classroom was that very close to us there was a legendary country, full of history, closely linked to the Cuban people..." said Fidel Castro upon his arrival at Las Americas International Airport on August 20, 1998.

On August 24, then President Fernandez presented his guest, Fidel Castro, with the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez and Mella in the "Gran Cruz Placa de Oro" award, in a ceremony held at the Ambassadors' Hall of the National Palace. (Source: Prensa Latina)