President Obama Releases a Statement on Fidel Castro's Death

President Barack Obama has released a statement on the death of Fidel Castro, the former president of Cuba.

The president offered a “hand of friendship” to Cuba after hearing the news of Castro‘s death at the age of 90.

Obama has worked hard during his presidency to renew relations with Cuba and he became the first sitting president since Calvin Coolidge in 1928 to visit the nation.

President-elect Donald Trump had a much different initial reaction to the death. He tweeted out a simple four word message about the story.

Click inside to read the full statement…

“At this time of Fidel Castro’s passing, we extend a hand of friendship to the Cuban people. We know that this moment fills Cubans – in Cuba and in the United States – with powerful emotions, recalling the countless ways in which Fidel Castro altered the course of individual lives, families, and of the Cuban nation. History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him.
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For nearly six decades, the relationship between the United States and Cuba was marked by discord and profound political disagreements. During my presidency, we have worked hard to put the past behind us, pursuing a future in which the relationship between our two countries is defined not by our differences but by the many things that we share as neighbors and friends – bonds of family, culture, commerce, and common humanity. This engagement includes the contributions of Cuban Americans, who have done so much for our country and who care deeply about their loved ones in Cuba.

Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people. In the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. As they do, the Cuban people must know that they have a friend and partner in the United States of America.”