Fidel Castro Bestowed ‘Omar Torrijos Order’

HAVANA, Cuba, Jan 6 (acn) The ‘Division General Omar Torrijos Order’ in
its degree of Great Extraordinary Cross, was granted on Monday by
visiting Panamanian President Martin Torrijos Espino to the leader of
the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

The decoration was received by Cuban President Raul Castro from the
hands of the visiting Panamanian leader during a ceremony at the Palace
of the Revolution in Havana.

During the ceremony, Marin Torrijos recalled that when Cuba was
submitted to diplomatic isolation, his late father, Gen. Martin
Torrijos, resumed diplomatic relations with the Caribbean nation and
traveled to Havana.

He added that Fidel Castro deserves the Order because of his courage,
his determination, his loyalty to his principles and for his immense
solidarity with Panama.

He also recalled that Fidel always supported the independence of Panama
and the right of its people to have full control of the Canal.

Upon receiving the Order on behalf of Fidel Castro, Raul thanked the
Panamanian Government for its decision and made reference to the legacy
of Gen. Omar Torrijos.

For his part, Jose Miyar Barrueco, Secretary of the Cuban Council of
State, said that the administration of Martin Torrijos in Panama has
brought a deep change in bilateral relations that are now based on
mutual understanding and cooperation.

Also present in the ceremony were the President of the Cuban National
Assembly (Parliament), Ricardo Alarcon; the VP of the Council of
Ministers, Ricardo Cabrisas; Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque; and
Culture Minister Abel Prieto.

Otorga condecoración a Fidel el Presidente de Panamá