Moscow, December 24 (RHC-PL) -- President of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Guennadi Ziuganov, awarded medals to Russian internationalist veterans that were mobilized in Cuba during the missile crisis of October 1962.

During a ceremony held at the headquarters of the State Duma (lower chamber of Parliament), Ziuganov highlighted the strong links forged then by the peoples of Russia and Cuba, which paved the way for the excellent relationship both two countries enjoy.

On behalf of the Cuban Embassy in Russia, Acting Charge d' Affairs, Alejandro Simancas, stressed the indestructible nature of the friendly ties between Russians and Cubans, forged at a time when the threat of a nuclear war was palpable.

The ceremony was also attended by First Vice President of the State Duma of Russia, Ivan Melnikov, journalist Henrij Vorovik, who worked in Cuba in the early 60s, and the daughter of Anatoly Dobrynin, an outstanding Soviet diplomat and then Ambassador to the United States.