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Author : A. Moiseev
Commentator for International Affairs
THE PRESENTATION of a monograph about Cuba's
leader Raul Castro has been recently held in the Big Man-
sion of Russia's Foreign Ministry. Its author is Nikolai
Leonov, a KGB Lieutenant-General, and also a historian
and an author. Raul Castro and Nikolai Leonov met each
other by pure chance. When travelling to Mexico to con-
tinue his undergraduate training, Nikolai Leonov met on
board a ship a guy from Cuba, Raul Castro, and they have
become solid friends ever since.
The presentation of Nikolai Leonov's book about Raul Castro was opened by Minister of For-
eign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov who spoke in praise of the monograph's
hero, focusing on the many years of Raul Castro's service for the benefit of his country and
people.
Nikolai Leonov's book about Raul Castro, which has been quickly and expeditiously published
in the series "Lives of Outstanding People," is the first publication in Russia, and, possibly, in
the world, about the prominent Cuban political leader. The book is based on truthful and au-
thentic information, because it has been written not only by a witness to certain historical events,
but also a long-time friend of Raul Castro, knowing him for over 62 years now.
"The present-day Cuba looks completely different," notes Nikolai Leonov. "One can see the
signs of renascence and renovation everywhere. I kept thinking that I should probably try and
relive and summarize my old memories in one book. The idea kept brewing in my mind, and I
finally decided to start collecting material about personal and professional life of Raul Castro,
providing the present and future generations with a maximally truthful image of that amazing
person, whom Fidel has always relied on and indefinitely trusted. A man who has been able to
win respect of an overwhelming majority of the Cuban people and who has been firmly and
confidently engaged in building what is presently called a 'new social and economic model'."
Nikolai Leonov is convinced that the signal victories achieved by Cuba are a just reward for the
Cubans' fortitude, courage and excelled ability to resistance. The Cuban revolutionaries are sure
of the bright prospects lying down in front of them, although they also clearly understand that
their movement forward will always go hand in hand with a need to overcome tremendous ob-
stacles that will invariably come their way.
Leonov's monograph is both modern and historical, with a very entertaining narrative. It has
great chances to become a bestseller.
http://interaffairs.ru
A True Story About the Life of Raul Castro as Narrated by His
Russian Friend