Fidel Castro the now retired former leader of Cuba has broken his silence on the developing of better relations between the U.S. and Cuba. He gave his version of guarded approval to the ongoing process to establish full diplomatic ties between the countries.
Castro in his message to the University Students Federation said defending peace is everyone’s duty. Any negotiation or peaceful solution to problems between the U.S. and people of Latin America that does not imply force or the use thereof should be in accordance with international principles and norms.
He said Cuba would always defend friendship and cooperation with all people of the world, amongst them political adversaries. He recalled his entrance 70 plus years ago into the University of Havana. He said if he could do it over, he would have chosen some scientific field.
However, Castro, who stepped down in 2006 when falling ill and ceded his power to Raul his younger brother, said he lacks confidence in United States policy and he personally has not spoken a world with any of them.
Ever since President Barack Obama and Raul Castro announced on December 17 that both countries were planning to reestablish full diplomatic relations following 53 years without them, there has been complete silence from the former leader about his lifelong nemesis.
However, in his Monday message, the former leader said the current President of Cuba took the appropriate steps in agreeing with the powers and prerogatives granted to him by the Communist Party in Cuba.
Fidel Castro has occasionally written essays called Reflections. However, he has not written one since October 14 of last year and his last appearance in public was a little more than a year ago.
Reconciliation with the U.S. has been attempted previously but failed while Fidel was the Cuban leader.
In his message, Fidel also commented on changes he has seen during his lifetime as the world becomes globalized and smaller.
He added that when he went to college only one university was available and today the Caribbean Island nation has over 50 centers for higher education.
The process, negotiation and talks continue between the two countries.