"This is the first time the roads of life have brought me to Cuba. All the greater, therefore, is the impression I have of everything. I have seen and heard here, my impressions of the people of Havana--openhearted and friendly; my impressions of various aspects of your life--industrial, political, social. In the Soviet Union we know why the Cuban people rose to make their Revolution, what enabled them to repulse the armed intervention, survive the economic blockade, cope with the persistent and exhausting pressure of their imperialist neighbor. The island of freedom was able to stand its ground thanks to its proud and courageous people, determined to fight for their independence, for their right to live as they see fit. They were able to do so because the Revolution brought to the country's helm a party committed to achieving lofty humanist ideals, ideals of socialism, of serving the people. And, finally, they were able to do this because history had placed at their head one of the outstanding revolutionaries of the 20th century, the legendary Comrade Fidel Castro. This year, the communists and all the working people of Cuba, and with them their friends throughout the world, celebrated the 30th anniversary of the day when festively attired Havana welcomed the young heroes who had descended from the mountains and brought their people the freedom they had yearned for."