Commemoration in Cuba of Day of Defenders of the Motherland

The Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and other organisms and Cuban institutions paid tribute today to the Soviet internationalist soldier on the occasion of the commemoration of the day of the defenders of the motherland. The solemn act, made in the mausoleum dedicated to the military of the former Soviet republics who died during the fulfilment of missions in Cuba, recalled anniversary 98 of the creation of the Red Army, and its contribution to humanity.

After laying wreaths, the Ambassador of Russia in Cuba, Mijail Kaminin, highlighted the support provided by his country to Cuba during the war against apartheid in Africa, at the end of the last century.

It highlighted the historic ties of friendship between the two Nations.

For his part, Brigadier General Jorge Méndez, Deputy Chief of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (Minfar) address, expressed the appreciation of Cubans by the contribution of the former Soviet Union to the defense of the sovereignty of the island.

It meant the decisive contribution of the Red Army to defeat of German fascism, and the defense of world peace.

The ceremony, presided over by general of division Elfre Pérez, head of Directorate of the Minfar, was attended by other commanders and officers of the FAR and the Ministry of the Interior, as well as fighters of the military Region of Havana and officials from the Cuban Institute of friendship with the peoples.

Inaugurated on February 23, 1978, in homage to the 60th anniversary of the Red Army, the mausoleum to the Soviet internationalist soldier, located in the West of Havana, holds the remains of 67 Soviet young people, aged between 20 and 30, who died in Cuba between 1960 and 1964.