Thursday, October 12, 2017

Cuban Vice President Pays Tribute to Che in Bolivia
Comandante of the Cuban Revolution and a vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, Ramiro Valdés, stated October 9, that Ernesto Che Guevara stands out as one of the most extraordinary revolutionaries in modern history, during a ceremony in honor of the guerrilla, held in this city

Prensa Latina (PL) | informacion@granma.cu
October 11, 2017 13:10:12

Comandante of the Cuban Revolution, Ramiro Valdés alongside Evo Morales, President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia during a tribute to Che in Vallegrande. Photo: Prensa Latina

Vallegrande, Bolivia —Comandante of the Cuban Revolution and a vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, Ramiro Valdés, stated October 9, that Ernesto Che Guevara stands out as one of the most extraordinary revolutionaries in modern history, during a ceremony in honor of the guerrilla, held in this city.

“Today we are called upon once again to fulfill our sacred duty to pay revolutionary and solidary tribute to Che,” stated Valdés during the act, which saw the participation of the Argentine-Cuban fighter’s children, members of his guerilla unit in Bolivia, and President Evo Morales.

In his remarks, the Cuban leader recalled Fidel Castro’s words in the solemn wake held in honor of Che in Havana, October 28, 1967, during which he described the guerrilla’s most noteworthy qualities: Quoting Fidel, Valdés noted that Che was “able to unite in his personality not only the characteristics of the man of action, but also of the man of thought, of the man of immaculate revolutionary virtues and of extraordinary human sensibility, joined with an iron character, a will of steel, indomitable tenacity.”

He went on to explain that the guerrilla died defending the causes of the oppressed, poor, and humble of the Earth.

Valdés also recalled that Che’s assassination was ordered by figures working on behalf of global imperialism who attempted to steal his diary and conceal his valuable testimony of the guerrilla struggle in Bolivia.

They were unsuccessful however, after the book was published in Havana in 1968, enabling the world to learn the truth about the revolutionary struggle and revealing the essence of Che’s thought and action to hundreds of thousands of people, added the Cuban official.

Regarding his legacy, Comandante Valdés quoted Fidel when he stated, “Che is leading and winning more battles than ever.”

Recalling the words of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution Valdés continued noting that: “Che embodies, in its purest and most selfless form, the internationalist spirit that marks the world of today and even more so the world of tomorrow.”

Ramiro Valdés, who fought alongside Che in the Sierra Maestra, concluded by noting the sense of honor he felt to be paying tribute to the guerrilla in the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

Under the strong leadership of President Evo Morales, the Bolivian people are turning their dreams and aspirations of emancipation which have long marked the country’s history, into reality, he noted.
Since October 5, the city of Vallegrande - in the department of Santa Cruz – has been undertaking activities in honor of the 50th anniversary of Che’s death in Bolivia, with the participation of representatives from social movements in Latin America and Europe.

Intellectuals, artists, campesinos and students, as well as relations of the legendary guerrilla, reaffirmed the continued relevance of his legacy against imperialism, and in favor of social justice and equality.

EVO: CHE IS A SYMBOL OF THE ANTI-IMPERIALIST STRUGGLE

Bolivian President Evo Morales, described Che as a symbol and driving force behind the anti-imperialist struggle of the people of Latin America, during his speech honoring the guerrilla 50 years after he was assassinated in the country.

The Andean leader began by noting, “We are gathered here in Vallegrande to commemorate 50 years since Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara was murdered and passed into eternity.”

Evo went on to note that the best way to honor Che is to continue his anti-imperialist legacy.

“Comandante Guevara symbolizes the peoples’ struggle against the empire. His name, his face, his life’s work, his ides, continue to be a call to fight all forms of oppression and exclusion,” he noted.

The President went on to explain that the guerrilla struggle led by Guevara in Bolivia, in 1967, did not constitute an invasion as 26 of the 50 members were Bolivians “who fought beside Che for the liberation of our country,” he stated.

“Let me take this moment to clarify to those who today criticize this event, that it is not an act of betrayal to remember those who wanted to liberate the homeland. Betraying the homeland is serving as lackeys for the North American empire,” stated Morales referring to the months-long guerrilla struggle led by Che in the country.

Regarding Guevara’s assassination, the Bolivian President stated that Che fought and died for Bolivia’s freedom and the Greater Homeland.

“The mercenaries’ shots could not kill his spirit or occult his legacy; with death he became immortal. Today, he is more alive and more present in the world than ever,” stated Morales.

We tell the critics that we pro-independence social movements throughout Latin America begin as guerrillas, with guerrilla struggles to liberate our homeland, he noted.

Morales recalled how together with Fidel Castro, Camilo Cienfuegos, and others, Guevara fought for the Cuban Revolution and against imperialism.

“Che became a son of Cuba, of a country that continues to honor him and that is today a reference and example that a better world is possible. It is a nation where children do not die of hunger, and where the people are protected,” stated Evo.

During his speech Morales also touched on globally relevant issues such as U.S. interference in the internal affairs of countries like Venezuela and intervention in the Middle East.

“Today, the empire is attacking Venezuela, just like it attacked Afghanistan yesterday. We cannot drop our guard in the face of this war because if we fail, it is the people of our Greater Homeland who will suffer the empire,” warned Evo. (PL).

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