Viacheslav Volodin, chairman of the Duma (Russia's lower house), has said here today that the recently deceased Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, has been an example of a true patriot.
 
He dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and independence of Cuba, he endlessly loved his country and his people, his life has been an example of a true patriot, Volodin stated at Havana's Revolution Square.
 
During the political and cultural act in a posthumous tribute to the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Volodin explained that he traveled to the capital by express order of Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
 
Fidel became the symbol of the struggle of many peoples, a struggle that was crowned with success. A duty we have to remember is that thanks to him, Cuba has managed to preserve the most valuable thing any state can have: its independence, he said.
 
Volodin recalled the Commander's help to many countries for freedom and the right to choose their own way to development, and particularly Russia.
 
Its contribution to the restoration of the bilateral relations has been immense. Despite the distances that separate us and the problems we have faced, we have been, we are and we will be united, he said.
 
The cause of the legendary Commander will always live. His ideas and dreams have been close to many peoples even today, so his cause will overcome, he concluded.