Castro Honored in Visit as 75th Birthday Nears
Cuban leader Fidel Castro was welcomed in Caracas with cheers and waving flags for a weekend of birthday celebrations amid a spat between Venezuela and the United States over American military offices in the capital.
Castro, who turns 75 on Monday, received full military honors as hundreds of people waved Cuban flags and signs reading, “Fidel, Venezuela Salutes You.” He was greeted by President Hugo Chavez.
The visit comes after Venezuela ordered the U.S. military mission to vacate rent-free offices. Venezuela says it needs the space and isn’t distancing itself from the United States.
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