Che Guevara's son supports Lebanese struggle against Israeli occupation
Lebanon, Politics, 10/22/1997

The son of legendary revolutionary leader Ernesto Che Guevara has brought his father's revolutionary spirit to Lebanon, expressing during a week-long visit to the country his support for its struggle against Israeli occupation.

Whether visiting Lebanese President Elias Hrawi, on a tour of south Lebanon or at a press conference held earlier this week, Ernesto Guevara repeatedly expressed to reporters his support and solidarity with Lebanon's efforts to free itself from Israeli occupation.

"We understand the feelings of the Lebanese people and we came to Lebanon to express our solidarity," Guevara told reporters Monday, only four days after burying his father's remains in Cuba.

Guevara, 32, arrived in Beirut Sunday night accompanied by Orlando Borrego, 58, his father's comrade and right-hand man for many years. Both were invited by the Follow-up Committee for the Support of Lebanese Detainees in Israeli Prisons. The follow-up committee has been campaigning for the freedom of scores of Lebanese detained by Israel and its south Lebanon militia allies.

Dressed in a business suit and tie, Guevara, who bears great resemblance to his father, expressed Cuban support for the implementation of United Nations Resolution 425, which calls for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon.

The news conference began Monday with a moment's silence in memory of Che Guevara, who was killed by government soldiers in 1967 in Bolivia and has since become a symbol of revolt for leftists around the world.

"We hope that our presence would be an incentive," for accelerating Lebanon's struggle to rid itself of occupation, Guevara said.

Che Guevara was Cuban leader Fidel Castro's aide in the 1958 revolt that overthrew President Fulgencio Batista. He was captured by troops and killed 30 years ago in Bolivia, where he was trying to start another revolution. His remains were uncovered earlier this year and were buried Friday in Santa Clara, Cuba.

Previous Stories:
  Many Lebanese still in Israeli jails   (10/21/1997)
  Che Guevara's Son in Lebanon   (10/20/1997)
  Human rights activists expected Israel to block their attempt   (8/14/1997)

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