Look at Raul's realm from the title

The news came that the Cuban party and government gave Raúl, who took the initiative to withdraw from the leadership position of the party and the state. Castro's title was: Comrade Raúl, Dear General and Leader of the Revolution.

Raul Castro (infographic)

"General" is the rank received by Raul, the highest rank of an officer of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces: "Revolutionary Leader", which recognizes and praises his leadership of the Cuban people in the permanent revolution and great achievements.

In my opinion, such a title is very appropriate and real, and it should be the affirmation and respect of the Cuban Communist Party and the revolutionary government for raúl's revolutionary life, and reflect the people's reverence and love for him.

The news also reminded me of my brief but very close encounter with Raul and, of course, my knowledge and affection for him.

Raúl, another known as the "leader of the revolution", Fidel. Castro's brother. Since 1953, the two have participated in the armed struggle aimed at overthrowing the rule of the traitorous reactionary government, were arrested and imprisoned together, exiled together, returned to the country on a yacht to carry out guerrilla warfare, established a new type of revolutionary government together, and led the Cuban people to oppose foreign interference and build socialism.

It was my impression that Raul, like his eldest brother Fidel, possessed many noble qualities and realms of thought. "Rich and noble cannot be lascivious, and mighty cannot be bent", which is clearly reflected in their bodies. Wholeheartedly for the country, wholeheartedly for the people, but also reflected in their words and deeds in life. They hold high positions and unlimited power, but they refuse "privilege" and refuse to seek private interests for the Ka family.

I recall that in my many contacts with him, he was most opposed by the people calling him "Second Secretary", "Vice-President", even though he did hold for a long time the posts of Second Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and First Vice-Chairman of the Council of State of Cuba and First Vice-President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba. However, he repeatedly corrected the names of people who referred to him, explicitly opposing the fact that people called him by high office and asking to be called "Raul", or "Minister", because he was also the minister of the Cuban "Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces". So, every time I called him by his first name, I called him "Raul", and he explicitly responded to me, "This is best!" ”。

It should be said that from how to treat people's names for themselves, we can also see Raul's thoughts and realms, which I am very touched by and deeply moved.

Taking Raul as an example, reviewing and following the traditional requirements of our Party on salutations should be of great enlightening significance.

The author is a former Chinese ambassador to Cuba

Source Beijing Daily Client | Written by Xu Guicong

Edited by Zeng Jiajia

Process Editor Wu Yue