[Marxism] Salim Lamrani: Fidel Castro and Cuba's Future

[Walter Lippmann <walterlx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

02-03-2008
Fidel Castro and Cuba's Future
http://www.rebelion.org/noticia.php?id=63957

Salim Lamrani
RebeliÃn

February 19, 2008, in a message to his compatriots, Fidel Castro
officially announced that he would not seek a new presidential term of
office. It was, without a doubt, an announcement of supreme historic
importance. After being Prime Minister for almost 18 years (February
1959- January 1976) and President of the Republic from December 2,
1976 to July 31, 2006, the most famous revolutionary leader of the
twentieth century retired from official political life four days
before the elections, which would designate the members of the Council
of State and the Council of Ministers and its president (1).

Reasons for this decision

Fidel Castro's state of health, to a great extent, explains this
decision. In addition, he emphasized the need of "psychologically and
politically" preparing the Cuban people for his absence. It was,
according to him, his "first obligation."  Because of these reasons,
he informed the Cuban people of his wish. "To my close compatriots,
who did me the great honor of choosing me recently as a member of
Parliament [â], I tell you that I will not aspire to or acceptâI
repeatâI will not aspire to or accept, the position of President of
the Council of State and Commander in Chief." (2)

The Cuban leader was lucid about the matter. "I would betray my
conscience to hold a position that requires mobility and total
dedication, which physically I am not in any condition to offer [â].
Always prepare yourselves for the worst possibility. To be as prudent
in success as firm in adversity is a principle that can't be
forgotten," he said. (3)

This decision, is logical since Fidel Castro, in a letter dated
December 17, 2007, had already shown his wish of not "hanging on to
positions" and "being consistent until the end." (4) The Cuban
population received the news without surprise, calmly and tranquilly,
but also with certain sadness as shown at several demonstrations of
support and solidarity with their leader in the capital and throughout
the country. (5) "Many people are sad today," reported the Associated
Press. "Cuba greeted Castro's resignation Tuesday with a calm that was
stunning [â].It was like any other day  [â].no one seemed fearful of
sudden disruptions â much less the total collapse â of the socialist
system," added the U.S. press agency. (6)

Reactions in the United States

With respect to the United States, the "meddlesome" comments have
multiplied and, as usual, were filled with a whiff of colonialism.
President Bush stated that "the international community needs to work
with the Cuban people to begin to construct the necessary institutions
for democracy." Republican presidential candidate Arizona Senator John
McCain stressed the need "to pressure the Cuban regime."(7)

Even Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, showed her inability to
distance herself from the White House's obsolete policy. "We need a
president who works with the world's countries, with Europe, with the
Western Hemisphere to pressure Cuba."(8)

Connecticut`s Democrat Senator Christopher Dodd, launched a call to
reason: "The U.S. embargo on Cuba is one of the most ineffective and
retrograde foreign policies in history. Today, the United States
finally has an opportunity to begin again. Republican Congressman from
Arizona, Jeff Flake, publically supported "a new approach towards Cuba
by the U.S. government."(9)

The same day as Fidel Castro's official announcement, 104 U.S.
Congressional members out of a total of 435, sent an open letter to
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice demanding a "tough-minded review"
of Washington's policy towards Cuba. "After 50 years, it is time for
us to think and act anew." The signers stressed the absolute lack of
results. "For five decades, US policy has tried economic sanctions and
diplomatic isolation to force changes in Cuba's government. The
orderly succession shows that the policy has not worked."(10)

But John Negroponte, deputy secretary of State, categorically insisted
that the anachronistic and inhumane economic sanctions on Cuba would
not be lifted and that the hostile policy towards Cuba would continues
its course. (11)

These words illustrate Washington's inability to accept the reality of
a sovereign and independent Cuba. In a cruel, desperate and
counterproductive manner, the United States shows no mercy toward a
small, Third World country that refuses to bow down, without admitting
that its state of siege strategy which has been applied for half a
century is a spectacular failure.

European reactions

European Union countries did not show wisdom, repeating Washington's
rhetoric and forgetting that Havana does not accept any interference
in its internal affairs. French Prime Minister FranÃois Fillon
demanded "evolution of the Cuban regime towards democracy."(12) The
British minister of Foreign Relations launched a call for "greater
respect for human rights" and broader political and economic reforms.
In Brussels, Javier Solana, high representative for the Foreign Policy
and Common Security of the European Union, also alluded to a "process
of democratic transition."(13) The president of the European
Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering, adopted the same speech. (14)

Even Spain, which supported improving relations and dialogue with
Havana, could not avoid saying unacceptable and offensive words for
the Cubans. The Spanish Ambassador in Washington, Carlos Westendorp,
said about the subject: "We can have disagreements with Cuban
communities and with our friends in the United States with respect to
the relation with Cuba, but they are more tactics than strategies."(15)

The stated objective of Washington is to return Cuba to its
neocolonial status, as the Torricelli Law of 1992 and the Helms Burton
Act of 1996 show, as well as the Commission for Assistance for a Free
Cuba's two reports of 2004 and 2006. (16) To state that Madrid pursues
the same objective is no more than a moral disgrace and a cowardly policy.

Italy, although it favors the elimination of the political and
diplomatic sanctions as well as the illegitimate Common Position that
Europe imposes on Cuba, was no more inspired, although it had a more
constructive focus.  Undersecretary of Foreign Relations for Latin
America Donato De Santo, also alluded to a "democratic transition" and
"respect of human rights."(17)

The nations of the Old World showed their complete inability to adopt
a pragmatic policy, independent of U.S. influence with respect to
Cuba. The arrogance and presumption were obvious.  It should be
remembered that Brussels showed an absolute lack of moral legitimacy
in lecturing Cuba about democracy and human rights, which Amnesty
International's annual reports showed. (18) But it is difficult for
the Old World to free itself from feeling superior which characterizes
them.

Reactions from Latin America and the Third World

In Latin America, the reactions were different. Evo Morales of Bolivia
said that it would continue to have excellent relations with Cuba. "It
is about a relationship of state to state, of government to
government, which does not depend on a single person."(19)

Brazilian President Luiz InÃcio Lula da Silva indicated that the
"process developed calmly [â]. I have deep respect for the Cuban
people and I believe that they are the most politicized people of the
world [â]. Each people choose their political regime and we are going
to let the Cubans decide what they want to do. The Cubans have the
maturity to solve their problems." (20) Lula also recalled, "Fidel is
the only living myth in the history of humanity." (21)

The Mexican government reported about "their wish to continue moving
forward in the process, initiated several months ago, aimed at full
reestablishment of respectful and mutually beneficial relations for
Mexico and Cuba," adding that "given the importance for Mexico of the
relationship with Cuba, the Mexican government will continue to pay
attention to the political events in this new period of Cuba's
history, with full respect to the self-determination and will of the
Cuban people." (22)

Chile and Guatemala also welcomed Fidel Castro's decision. Guatemalan
President, Ãlvaro Colom stated that it would not affect in any way the
"full and excellent relations with Cuba." (23) Secretary General of
the Organization of American States (OAS), Josà Miguel Insulza,
insisted on the fact that Cuba is a sovereign nation. "The Cubans
themselves must be the ones who, through open and peaceful dialogue,
and without external interference, find the most appropriate road for
the well-being of their people. (24)

For his part, Venezuelan President Hugo ChÃvez stated that Fidel
Castro "will always be in the vanguard since men like Fidel never
retire." The Bolivarian leader added, "the Cuban people have shown the
world, and above all the empire, that the Cuban Revolution does not
depend on one person, a group, or circumstances." (25)

In South Africa, the governing National African Congress (NAC),
offered homage to the Cuban leader describing him as a "living
legend." "The Cuban people, under the leadership of President Castro,
got involved in the freedom of the oppressed people of Africa,
specifically South Africa, stressed the NAC statement, recalling that
close to 300,000 Cuban soldiers contributed to the independence of
Angola and the fall of apartheid. "Not only have they contributed to
the transformation of our country, but they have continued supporting
our reconstruction and development efforts, sending their doctors."
Numerous leaders of the world also welcomed Fidel Castro's decision
and showed their solidarity with Cuba. (26)

The Cuban people discovered the integrity of the global reactions
disseminated during the February 20, 2008 Mesa Redonda television
program. Its sensibilities were only offended, as always, when it was
about their independence before the contempt of some western
countries, unable to understand that only language based on respect,
reciprocity and non-interference in internal matters is heard by the
Cubans.

To speak of the process of transition would be a serious error. Cubans
do not want in any way to return to a market economy which would be
synonymous with an attack against their social conquests and their
sovereignty. In reality, it is about a process of revolutionary
continuity, deeply rooted in the heart of Cuban society and,
undoubtedly, irreversible.

Those in the United States and Western Europe who thought that the
Cubans would receive the news of Fidel Castro's retirement joyfully
completely ignore the realities of Cuba today. The great majority of
the population professes affection, admiration and infinite respect
for their political, historical, moral and spiritual leader. On the
other hand, if the Cubans have more or less accepted the fact that
Fidel Castro does not wish to aspire to the presidency of the
Republic, they categorically deny that he gave up  his rank of
Commander in Chief.

Cuba is not sensitive to pressure or blackmail and even less to
threats. The revolutionary government will not accept any demand from
Washington or from Western Europe. This reality has to be understood
by those who try to decide Cuba's destiny instead of the Cubans
themselves.

Beyond any ideological consideration, it should be recognized that
Fidel Castro has made it possible for Josà MartÃ's country to win its
independence and its liberty, that it could acquire a level of human
development similar to the most advanced countries and that it could
enjoy international prestige outside of what is common in the Third
World. Because of that, the Cubans will be eternally grateful to him.

Notes

(1) Fidel Castro Ruz, ÂMensaje del Comandante en JefeÂ, Granma, 19 de
febrero de 2008.

(2) Ibid.

(3) Ibid.

(4) Fidel Castro Ruz, ÂCarta de Fidel a la Mesa RedondaÂ, 17 de
diciembre de 2007.

(5) El autor se encuentra actualmente en La Habana.

(6) Will Weissert, ÂCastro Retirement Managed From StartÂ, The
Associated Press, 19 de febrero de 2008.

(7) The Associated Press, ÂWashington Quotes on Castro. U.S.
Government Reactions to Cuban President Fidel Castro's Resignation
MondayÂ, 19 de febrero de 2008.

(8) The Associated Press/El Nuevo Herald, ÂWashington ve a RaÃl Castro
como un `dictador lite'Â, 19 de febrero de 2008.

(9) The Associated Press, ÂWashington Quotes on Castro. U.S.
Government Reactions to Cuban President Fidel Castro's Resignation
MondayÂ, op. cit.

(10) Agence France Presse, ÂDes parlementaires amÃricains exigent un
changement de politique envers CubaÂ, 19 de febrero de 2008; Agence
France Presse, ÂUS Lawmakers Urge Review of Cuba PolicyÂ, 19 de
febrero de 2008.

(11) The Associated Press, ÂUS Says It Won't Lift Cuba EmbargoÂ, 19 de
febrero de 2008.

(12) Agence France Presse, ÂFillon: la `vraie question' pour Cuba est
celle de la dÃmocratieÂ, 19 de febrero de 2008.

(13) The Associated Press/El Nuevo Herald, ÂBush: Salida de Castro
debe ser inicio de transiciÃnÂ, 19 de febrero de 2008.

(14) Wilfredo Cancio Isla, ÂEl fin de una eraÂ, El Nuevo Herald, 19 de
febrero de 2008.

(15) Wilfredo Cancio Isla, ÂEspaÃa favorece diÃlogo abierto con La
HabanaÂ, El Nuevo Herald, 19 de febrero de 2008.

(16) Salim Lamrani, Fidel Castro, Cuba et les Etats-Unis (Pantin: Le
Temps des Cerises, 2006), capÃtulo IV.

(17) The Associated Press/El Nuevo Herald, ÂExpectativa mundial por
renuncia de Fidel CastroÂ, 19 de febrero de 2008.

(18) Amnesty International, informe 2007.

(19) The Associated Press/El Nuevo Herald, ÂExpectativa mundial por
renuncia de Fidel CastroÂ, op. cit.

(20) Ibid.

(21) LibÃration, ÂDes appels à davantage de dÃmocratie à CubaÂ, 20 de
febrero de 2008.

(22) The Associated Press/El Nuevo Herald, ÂExpectativa mundial por
renuncia de Fidel CastroÂ, op. cit.

(23) Ibid.

(24) Gerardo Reyes, ÂSorpresa y dudas en AmÃrica Latina por renuncia
de CastroÂ, El Nuevo Herald, 20 de febrero de 2008.

(25) Agencia Bolivariana de Noticias, ÂChÃvez: Fidel no renuncia,
siempre estarà en la vanguardiaÂ, 19 de febrero de 2008.

(26) Granma, ÂPersonalidades mundiales elogian altura polÃtica de
FidelÂ, 21 de febrero de 2008.

Salim Lamrani is a professor, writer and French journalist
specializing in U.S.-Cuba relations. He has published the following
titles : : Washington contre Cuba (Pantin: Le Temps des Cerises,
2005), Cuba face à l'Empire (GenÃve: Timeli, 2006) y Fidel Castro,
Cuba et les Etats-Unis (Pantin: Le Temps des Cerises, 2006). Acaba de
publicar Double Morale. Cuba, l'Union europÃenne et les droits de
l'homme (Paris: Editions Estrella, 2008).

Contact: lamranisalim@...

This article can be freely reproduced upon condition of citing the
author and source.

Translated by Dana Lubow 3-10-08
Edited by Robert Sandels
Edited by Caty R. from the original French to Spanish translation
Caty R. belongs to the Rebelion, Tlaxcala and Cubadebate collectives.

=========================================
     WALTER LIPPMANN
     Los Angeles, California
     Editor-in-Chief, CubaNews
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CubaNews/
     "Cuba - Un ParaÃso bajo el bloqueo"
=========================================

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