President Obama has issued an official statement on the passing of former Cuban President and political revolutionary Fidel Castro.
In the press release, posted to The White House website by the Office of the Press Secretary, the President spoke on the massive impact Castro had on the lives of Cubans in and outside of the country.
“We know that this moment fills Cubans – in Cuba and in the United States – with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation,” the statement reads. “History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him.”
POTUS then briefly reflected on America’s most recent dealings with Cuba under his presidency and noted the invaluable contributions Cuban Americans have made to the U.S.
“For nearly six decades, the relationship between the United States and Cuba was marked by discord and profound political disagreements,” he continued. “During my presidency, we have worked hard to put the past behind us, pursuing a future in which the relationship between our two countries is defined not by our differences but by the many things that we share as neighbors and friends – bonds of family, culture, commerce, and common humanity. This engagement includes the contributions of Cuban Americans, who have done so much for our country and who care deeply about their loved ones in Cuba.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter for the latest in hair, beauty, style and celebrity news.
President Obama closed out the statement with condolences for Castro’s family and prayers for the Cuban people in light of his passing.
Fidel Castro was 90 years old at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife Dalia Soto del Valle and 9 children.