Miguel Díaz-Canel, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of the Republic, has signed Presidential Decree 1247 declaring Official Mourning for the passing this Sunday of Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, from 6:00 a.m. on 23 June until midnight of the same day.

Díaz-Canel ordered that while the mourning for the death of Valdés Menéndez, Hero of the Republic of Cuba and of Labour, is in effect, the Flag of the Lone Star shall be flown at half-mast on public buildings and military institutions.

The text, published today in the Official Gazette, states that with profound sorrow, the leadership of the Party, the State and the Government inform the Cuban people of the passing of the historic combatant, who treasured a brilliant and extraordinary record of service to the Homeland.

Valdés Menéndez, Moncada Barracks assailant, Granma expeditionary, Rebel Army combatant in the Sierra Maestra, second chief of the invading column No. 8 Ciro Redondo, and protagonist alongside Che in the battle of Santa Clara, is worthy of the respect and admiration of the Cuban people for his dedication and proven loyalty to the revolutionary cause, the decree emphasises.

The ministers of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Interior and Foreign Relations are entrusted with the implementation of the provisions of the Presidential Decree, signed at the Palace of the Revolution, in the «Year of the Centenary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz».