• Affirmed Fidel yesterday during the central event for the 50th anniversary of the 26th of July Movement at the International Conference Center Scientific conference on the theme concludes
The unceasing struggle for the unity of the revolutionary forces, a characteristic trait of the Cuban revolutionary process, and the unifying political action of Fidel as leader of the 26th of July Movement in the country were determining factors of the 1959 triumph, as ratified by the participants in the scientific workshop on the movement, closed by President Fidel Castro.
After two working sessions at the International Conference Center (June 11-12), the event ended last night with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the constitution of the 26th of July Movement, attended by original members of its leadership, combatants from the Moncada assault, the Granma landing, the struggle in the Sierra Maestra, the underground movement and internationalist missions. Also present were leaders of the Communist Party, the state, the UJC, student and mass organizations; combatants from the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior; and students on the current revolutionary programs.
Speaking on behalf of his fighting comrades in the Movement, Enrique Oltusky highlighted how the youth of his generation, without having any philosophical training or homogenous politics, understood that traditional politics was not the way to transform the country and, in spite of tactical differences, shared similar strategic ideas for the struggle.
"After 50 years we are still ‘crazy’ as they said then, we believe and are ready to continue fighting for a better world; that is the legacy that we are leaving for the younger generations, who will know how to defend it and surpass it, without forgetting, as Fidel taught us, that the secret lies in unity, now more than ever," he added.
Joan Cabo Mijares, president of the Federation of University Students (FEU), pointed to the historical links of the university organization with the struggle of the 26th of July Movement and affirmed that 50 years later young Cubans are continuing the struggle, as the enemy is the same.
Cabo condemned the imprisonment in the United States of the five Cuban heroes and emphasized that only international culture and cooperation, ethics and revolutionary determination can transform barbarity and save the world. Unity continues to be the key word in this battle against terrorism, he added.
The Final Declaration of the Scientific Workshop, unanimously passed by all participants, inscribes the effective creation of the Movement in the planning of the Moncada assault, while recognizing its formal constitution on June 12, 1955 as a highly significant landmark on the road that led to the victory of the Cuban Revolution.
The text, read out yesterday by Pedro Alvarez Tabío, director of the Historical Affairs Office of the Council of State, stresses that the history of the Movement and the Revolution confirms that there is no historical process of radical transformation without a figure to head and direct it, a singular privilege that the Cuban Revolution had had up to date with the leadership of President Fidel Castro.
Sponsored by the Historical Affairs Office and the Cuban History Institute, this workshop brought together historians, researchers, information specialists, and combatants, who exchanged testimonies and papers on the historical significance of the 26th of July Movement within the Cuban revolutionary process.
