Fidel Castro’s 90th birthday message includes dig at Obama for not apologizing to Japan for WWII bombings
Former Cuban president Fidel Castro turned 90 Saturday, marking the occasion with a letter of thanks to his fellow islanders — and especially his doctors.
“Modern medical techniques have allowed me to scrutinize the universe,” Castro wrote in the lengthy message that also included a broadside fired at President Obama.
Castro, who stepped down as president a decade ago because of gastrointestinal problems, was effusive in his praise of the Cuban people.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude for the shows of respect, greetings and praise that I’ve received in recent days, which give me strength to reciprocate with ideas that I will send to party militants and relevant organizations,” Castro wrote.
The revolutionary leader, once known for his ever-present cigar and military fatigues, criticized Obama for not apologizing to the Japanese for the atomic bombs dropped during World War II.
A woman walks next to a window reading "Fidel 90 and more” on Friday.
(YAMIL LAGE/AFP/Getty Images)
Obama’s speech during his March trip to Hiroshima was “lacking stature,” sniffed Castro, who previously rapped the president over his March visit to Cuba.
Castro’s birthday was greeted in low-key style by the Cuban government, with no major parades or rallies scheduled to mark the event.
A Cuban tobacconist, however, was rolling a 90-meter cigar in honor of the ex-president’s 90th birthday.
Castro’s last public appearance came four months ago, when he spoke at the closing of the Cuban Communist Party congress.
Castro’s birthday was greeted in low-key style by the Cuban government, with no major parades or rallies scheduled to mark the event.
(STRINGER/REUTERS)
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived in Havana on Saturday, according to state-run media, and a Sunday night tribute to Castro was planned.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent along greetings to his Cuban friend.
“You enjoy deep respect in Russia as an outstanding statesman who devoted his entire life to serving the people of Cuba,” Putin said in a statement on the Kremlin website.
“It is hard to overestimate your personal contribution to the development of friendship and cooperation between our countries. I wish you good health, longevity, vitality and prosperity.”
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