Raul Castro Praises Mexican Rebel
Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces Minister, Army General Raul Castro, congratulated Mexican Antonio Conde Pontones, known as “El Cuate”, for his decisive contribution to the Granma yacht expedition.

The Cuban minister sent a congratulatory letter to Conde on his 80th birthday.

El Cuate, who in the 1950´s helped organized the expedition from Mexico to the island that initiated the Cuban Revolution, was confered Monday night the Order of Solidarity from the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, an award signed by President Fidel Castro.

The decoration was presented by Cuban ambassador Jorge Bolaños at a solemn ceremony at the island’s embassy in Mexico City to celebrate Conde´s 80th birthday.

“I use this important celebration to thank you for your support and cooperation with our Revolution and the Rebel Army” Raul Castro said.

In his speech, El Cuate expressed thanks for the award, saying he will remain faithful to Cuba and its leader Fidel Castro, until his last breath.