Fidel Castro praises Vietnam's growth, pays respects to Ho Chi Minh
HANOI - Cuban President Fidel Castro hailed communist Vietnam on
Sunday as a nation of fierce fighters who stood up to powerful invaders, proving to the
world they're capable of achieving greatness.
Castro was greeted at the Polytechnic University of Hanoi by hundreds of students
chanting ''Viva Cuba!'' ''Viva Vietnam!'' ''Viva Fidel!'' He pushed into the packed
auditorium through hordes of onlookers jockeying for a glimpse of the famed
communist leader.
''No words can describe the efforts and sacrifices of the Vietnamese people,'' he told
the crowd. ''You have shown to the world that oppressed nations can oppose
(invaders) and win and defend their legitimate cause.''
Castro, 76, said Vietnam has surpassed all of his expectations with its development
and that he never realized his friends would have come so far since his last trip in
1995. Vietnam is currently among the world's largest exporters of rice, coffee and
cashew nuts.
Castro also reminisced about a flight he took in 1973 on his first trip to Vietnam
during the war with America.
''We passed a bridge where there were hundreds and thousands of bomb craters, but
the bridge was still there, as were other bridges,'' he said. ''The enemy with modern
technology still missed their targets.''
Vietnam and Cuba have had strong diplomatic ties since 1960 and remain two of the
last few communist nations in the world. The United States normalized commercial
relations with Vietnam in December 2001 but continues to restrict travel and trade to
Cuba.
''Our country has been suffering consequences of the sabotage for many years. We
are very close to a superpower, only 90 miles away, compared to 20,000 kilometers
(12,400 miles) away,'' Castro said. ''You, friends, could imagine the dangers to us.''
Earlier on Sunday, a tired-looking Castro climbed a set of black marble steps in a
suit and black sneakers to pay respects to fellow communist revolutionary Ho Chi
Minh.
Castro left a large wreath of purple, yellow and orange blossoms outside the
mausoleum before stepping inside to view Vietnam's legendary hero.
''I thought a lot about Ho Chi Minh the model leader and hero, not only of the
Vietnamese people but also of the world,'' Castro said, while gesturing to a large bust
of Ho Chi Minh on stage at the university.
Castro's three-day visit to Vietnam ended Sunday. He was expected to attend the
Non-Aligned Movement summit this week in Malaysia before making a final stop in
China.
The Non-Aligned Movement, consisting of 114 mostly developing countries, was
formed during the Cold War to steer a neutral path between the United States and
the Soviet Union.
By Margie Mason - The Associated Press - February 23, 2003.
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