DHAKA: Tens of thousands of people have filled Revolution Square in the Cuban capital, Havana, for a rally honoring Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.
Proceedings began with the singing of Cuba’s national anthem and speeches are being given by visiting dignitaries.
Castro, who came to power in 1959 and ushered in a Communist revolution, died on Friday, aged 90.
Left-wing Latin American leaders are attending the event but other countries have sent lower-ranking emissaries, reports the BBC.
Opinion on Fidel Castro, who ruled Cuba as a one-party state for almost half a century, remains divided.
Supporters said he returned Cuba to the people and praise him for some of his social programs, such as public health and education.
But critics call him a dictator, who led a government that did not tolerate opposition and dissent.
Revolution Square is where Cubans once gathered to listen to Fidel Castro’s fiery speeches.
The crowd chanted “long live the revolution!” and “Fidel! Fidel!” as the rally got under way.
Greece’s left-wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras was among those who addressed the crowd. The presidents of Mexico, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Panama, South Africa and Zimbabwe were also attending.
In his speech, South African President Jacob Zuma praised Cuba’s record on health care and education and its support for African countries.
Earlier on Tuesday, the left-wing presidents of Bolivia and Venezuela, Evo Morales and Nicolas Maduro, were among those who signed a book of condolences at the Jose Marti memorial where a photograph flanked by an honour guard has been on display since Monday.
Another admirer of Fidel Castro, Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa, is joining the two presidents at the commemoration.
But many Western leaders are not attending the event in person.
The White House announced that its nominee for the post of ambassador to Havana, Jeffrey DeLaurentis, and Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes would attend the commemorative event but that it was not sending an “official delegation” to Cuba.
BDST: 2122 HRS, NOV 30, 2016
BD
