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Five years ago, Cuba’s capital hosted the
International Conference
"For World Equilibrium",
which was attended by delegates from forty three
countries of all continents, to honor Martí on
the occasion of his 150th birthday.
I talked to them all on the evening of January
29 of that year 2003. By a mere chance --or
rather, by more than a single chance-- that
moment of 1953 repeated itself, although under
significantly different circumstances. Back in
1953 we had to honor Martí’s memory by
liberating our Homeland from the imperialist
yoke. This time it was necessary to wage our
struggle in the field of ideas to counter the
threats against humanity uttered by the US
President in his speech at the West Point
Academy. What I said on that day, which is
consistent with my deepest convictions, has
become a starting point for most of the
reflections I wrote during the period of
convalescence I went through. It is my modest
tribute to the Master. I likewise salute the
hundreds of intellectuals, men and women of
thought, who once again gather with the same
purpose of paying tribute to José Martí on the
occasion of his155th birthday. I could not find
any better words to honor him! I would request
our press to publish it, if possible, in the
inner pages, to avoid taking space from other
important news about this commemoration.
Fidel Castro Ruz
January 28, 2008
Speech given by Dr. Fidel Castro Ruz, President
of the Republic of Cuba, at the closing of the
International Conference for World Balance, held
in honor of the 150th anniversary of the birth
of our National Hero, José Martí, January 29,
2003 |
