Havana, June 30 (RHC)-- The medal commemorating 50 years of the Puerto Rican Mission in Cuba was awarded to President Raúl Castro, Revolution leader Fidel Castro and the Communist Party of Cuba for their commitment and efforts to supporting Puerto Rico’s independence cause.

During the ceremony held June 29, the distinction was also awarded to the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), the Organization of Solidarity with the People of Asia, Africa and Latin America (Ospaaal) and the Continental Organization of Latin American and Caribbean Students (OCLAE).

Fernando González Llort, decorated Hero of the Republic of Cuba and vice president of ICAP, noted that the Cuban people will continue to support the struggle of the Puerto Rican people for self-determination.

Co-President of the country’s Hostosian National Independence Movement, Wilma Reverón highlighted the strong links of solidarity and fraternity between Puerto Rico and Cuba.

Wednesday's ceremony was presided over by José Ramón Balaguer, a member of the PCC Secretariat and head of the organization’s International Relations department; Kenia Serrano, ICAP president; and Edwin González, delegate for the Puerto Rican Mission in Cuba.

Also present was Clarissa López, daughter of political prisoner Oscar López Rivera, who has spend 35 years behind bars in the United States for his pro-independence activism.