Neither Cuba’s nor the United States presidents have made comments about the words exchanged during the memorial of Nelson Mandela at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Former Cuban President Fidel Castro must have felt much curiosity as any of the millions who viewed the greeting on live television. The advantage, over those millions, is that he is the brother of one of those involved in the so-called historic handshake. Therefore, he could publish an article mentioning the episode.
“Mister President, I’m Castro” was the last thing Raul told Obama, to keep him for a few seconds, to which Obama responded by nodding. If queried this video, between the second 27 and 29, the Cuban president is voicing something similar to the word “Castro.”
Fidel wrote an article entitled “Mandela is dead Why hide the truth about Apartheid?” and it reads as follows:
“The role of the delegation of Cuba, on the death of our brother and friend Nelson Mandela, will be unforgettable. I congratulate comrade Raúl for his brilliant performance and, especially, by the firmness and dignity when with friendly but firm gesture greeted the head of government of the United States and said in English: “Mr. President, I’m Castro”.
A source close to the presidency of the Cuban Council of State, consulted by this reporter, said that Obama replied “I know, I know” Also he said that Obama had begun greeting or ended the conversation with a ‘My pleasure, Mr. President “
Although the photo of Barack Obama with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and Britain’s David Cameron threatened to steal the show, the handshake between President Raul Castro and him relocated the Cuba issue among the priorities of American press during the week after the greeting.
