[NYTr] Fidel: Like Che, Chavez Is a Planter of Ideas

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

Agencia Cubana de Noticias (ACN)
http://ainch.ain.cu/mailman/listinfo/ingles


Fidel Says: Like Che, Chavez Is a Planter of Ideas

Havana, Oct 14 (acn) Cuban President Fidel Castro told his Venezuelan
counterpart Hugo Chavez on a telephone conversation broadcast live on TV
that he, like Che, is a planter of ideas and strength.

Fidel also said Chavez is a tireless fighter for the survival of the
human species, as he spoke during the Venezuelan president's TV show,
“Alo Presidente.” This Sunday's show was broadcast from the central
Cuban city of Santa Clara, in Villa Clara Province, near the mausoleum
that holds the remains of Che and his comrades-in-arms who fought in
Bolivia. During the phone conversation with Chavez, Fidel insisted on 
calling Che Guevara a planter of ideas and conscience, making reference
to Jose Marti's quote saying that "trenches of ideas are worth more than
trenches of stones."

Fidel explained that he wanted all Cuban children and future generations
to be like Che because he was an example worthy to follow. Regarding 
Chavez’ visit to the mausoleum, the Cuban President said he
was very moved by Chavez singing a song in front of the deep recess in
the wall where Che's mortal remains rest, alongside with his guerrilla
comrades.

Likewise, the Cuban leader said he was impressed by the detailed
explanation provided by Division General Ramon Pardo Guerra on the
seizing of the armored train by the troops of the Cuban rebel army under
the command of Che Guevara back in 1958. This was a decisive battle in
the triumph of the Revolution, Castro noted.

Fidel pointed out that a multitude of people followed Chavez in his tour
of historical sites in Santa Clara. While talking about the situation 
currently faced in Bolivia, Nicaragua and Ecuador, Chavez recalled that
during his previous encounter, he and Fidel shared Che's belief of the
need for Vietnam's victory over the US to be repeated.

Iraq was another Vietnam, as it was standing up before the "tyrannical
military power of the great Empire," said Fidel, referring to the US.

During the lengthy telephone call, Chavez said tomorrow, October 15, new
cooperation agreements will be signed between Cuba and Venezuela as part
of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas project (ALBA). He said
the new deals cover several sectors. He also confirmed his visit on
Monday to the oil refinery in Cienfuegos, where a joint program is being
held leading up to the upcoming opening of the facility.

Chavez insisted that Cuba and Venezuela are charged with continuing to
raise ideas and lead programs to save humankind, while highlighting that
socialism is the only means of reaching that goal.

Despite imperialist and oligarchic campaigns against the two nations,
both presidents emphasized that their governments have fused into one
and that they have joined together in the effort to build a Latin
American and Caribbean confederation.

ycr/pr