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Ethiopia: Country Honors Long Lasting Solidarity With Cuba
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The Daily Monitor (Addis Ababa)
20 December 2007
Posted to the web 20 December 2007
Fikremariam Tesfaye
Addis Abeba
A monument put in honor and recognition of Cuban soldiers who stood by Ethiopia and sacrificed their lives during the Ethio-Somalia war of the 1970s was inaugurated on Monday in the presence of Cuba's Vice President and high ranking Ethiopian government officials, and invited guests.
The monument at the Black Lion Hospital is also said to symbolize the sense of solidarity and friendship that exists between Ethiopia and Cuba.
House Speaker Ambassador Teshome Toga, Minister of Foreign Affairs Seyoum Mesfin, Ministry of National Defense Kuma Demeksa, Mayor Berhane Deressa and numerous other government officials, members of the diplomatic community attended the inauguration.
Speaking at the inaugural, Ambassador Teshome thanked the Cuban government and its people for sacrificing their lives to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ethiopia when the country was invaded by Siad Barre's forces in 1976, More than 163 Cuban soldiers died and several others were wounded.when in their attempt to rescue the country.
Cuban Vice President Cuban Vice President Estaban Lazo Hernandez said on his part that Cuba and Ethiopia shared the same destiny as witnessed by joining hands in Ethiopia's fight to repel the invading Somali forces.
"In those glorious days in the 70's, when Ethiopian's and Cuban's shared the same destiny, we are reminded of the day at the battle field facing the invaders together, in order to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of a great nation," he said.
The Vice president urged that Ethiopia must now continue its fight in addressing development challenges such as in health, education, construction and other sectors.
"One hundred and sixty three Cubans gave their lives for this heroic Ethiopian land. The Noble gesture of Ethiopia dedicating this architectural work to the Cuban contribution in the nation's battle against the invaders has special meaning for us." Esteban added He emphasized that the monument not only symbolized solidarity in times of war, but also friendship and collaboration between citizens of both nations.
Earlier on the day Vice President Estaban Lazo Hernandez put on the foot of In a statement distributed on the occasion the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended Cuban soldiers who died for the sake of the sovereignty of Ethiopia.
It said the monument marks the long lasting and egalitarian friendship between the people of Cuba and Ethiopia.
Cuba has been committed to international cooperation since the end of the 1950s.
The country is much remembered for is assistance to Ethiopia during the Somalian aggression of Ethiopia in the 1970s.
With the help of Cuban-and Soviet- assistance, Ethiopia drove the invading forces of Said Bare and assumed full control of the region by early 1978.
Cuban troops spearheaded the counteroffensive that began in March 1978, after which Cuban and Ethiopian troops quickly defeated the SNA and WSLF.
After the war, the Cuban government offered free scholarship opportunity to students with potential to further strengthen the education sector.
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In related news, ailing Cuban President Fedel Castro, who has not been seen in public for 16 months, hinted on Monday he will not cling to power, suggesting his possible retirement.
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