Tribute to Cuban internationalists is paid in Syria

Havana, April 15 (RHC) - Syrians and Cubans today paid tribute to the Cuban internationalist fighters who defended Syria’s sovereignty against Israeli aggressions during the October 1973 war.

The tribute ceremony was held on the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the first defeat of the United States invasion at Playa Girón, and took place at the headquarters of the first division of the Syrian Arab Army, where a Cuban tank brigade of 800 men settled in 1974.

Major General Jaber Ali, commander of the first division, expressed the honor it means to him that his unit has welcomed brave and internationalist soldiers from Cuba who were in Syria in the same trench with Syrian soldiers against a common enemy.

The meeting was also an occasion to commemorate the 77th anniversary of Syrian independence, which is celebrated each April 17, and to express rejection of the US blockade on Cuba, Syria and other countries that defend its dignity, independence, sovereignty and history.

Cuban ambassador to Syria Luis Mariano Fernández said that the two nations are united by the indestructible friendship forged through 58 years of solid relations.

Senior commanders of the Syrian army and Armed Forces and members of the Cuban diplomatic mission in this Levantine nation participated in the event.

Likewise, tribute was paid at the Martyrs' Cemetery in the town of Najha to the southeast of this capital, where a wreath was placed at the monument of the unknown soldier. Also, a bouquet of flowers was placed on the grave of the Cuban combatant Eugenio Calvo Pérez, who died in Syria during his internationalist mission on May 14, 1974. (Source: Prensa Latina)