Trump, Obama react to death of old U.S. nemesis Fidel Castro

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While the death of Cuban leader Fidel Castro prompted cheers from the country’s exiles in Miami, the 90-year-old revolutionary leader’s passing produced expressions of respect in other parts of the world and measured responses from governments that saw the devoted socialist as a threat.

U.S. President Barack Obama noted that while «discord and profound political disagreements» marked the relationship between the United States and Cuba for nearly six decades, Americans were extending «a hand of friendship to the Cuban people» during their time of grief.

«History will record and judge the enormous impact of this singular figure on the people and world around him,» Obama said.

While spending the Thanksgiving weekend in Florida, where the announcement of Castro’s death early Saturday brought Cuban exiles into the streets to celebrate, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump took to Twitter to share a thought that proved pithy even for the medium: «Fidel Castro is dead!»

Elsewhere in world, Castro was honored and mourned by many present and former national leaders.

In a telegram to Cuban President Raul Castro, Fidel’s 85-year-old brother, Pope Francis offered «my sense of grief to your excellency and family.»

Francis broke from the Vatican’s usual practice of having the secretary of state send official condolences. In a mark of the esteem the pope held for Castro, whom he met during a visit to Cuba last year, Francis signed the telegram himself.

«The first country we approached (for assistance in battling apartheid) was the United States of America. We could not even succeed to come close to the government, and they refused to assist us,» Mandela said in a 1990 documentary to explain his loyalty to Castro. «But Cuba, the moment we appealed for assistance they were ready to do so and they did so.»

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the chorus of admirers, calling Castro «a legendary revolutionary and orator» and a «remarkable leader.»

«While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for «el Comandante,»Trudeau said.

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter said he and his wife Rosalynn «remember fondly our visits with him in Cuba and his love of his country.» The couple visited Cuba in 2002, long after Carter left office.

While most of the official remembrances were complimentary, a few emphasized less-flattering views of the late leader.

Trump elaborated on his initial tweet later Saturday, calling Castro «a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades.»

Trump says Castro left a legacy of «firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights.»

House Speaker Paul Ryan, the top Republican in the United States Congress, said any remembrances should be reserved «for the memory and sacrifices of all those who have suffered under the Castros.»

«Now that Fidel Castro is dead, the cruelty and oppression of his regime should die with him,» Ryan said in a statement.