Shii congratulates new Cuban president

   Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee Chair Shii Kazuo on February 29 sent a message to the new Cuban President Raul Castro on his election as the Cuban leader at Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power. In the message Shii said:

   “Please accept my hearty congratulations on your election as President of Council of State and Council of Ministers.

   Since the overthrow of the dictatorial Batista regime in 1959, the Cuban Revolution has contributed to improving the Cuban people’s living conditions, including the nation’s healthcare and education systems, and to achieving economic and social development while overcoming various difficulties related to the illegal U.S. interference based on its policy of aggression. Your efforts have also contributed to the world to make efforts to establish truly independent nations. I wish you every success in further developing the gains of the revolution.

   I look forward to the further development of long-term close relations between the JCP and the Communist Party of Cuba that will contribute to further friendships between the peoples of our countries.”

- Akahata, March 1, 2008