Cuba announces one day of public mourning in solidarity with Iran
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Following the passing of President Ebrahim Raisi and his fellow companions on Monday, Cuba shows solidarity with Iran, announcing Tuesday-through-Wednesday a day of public mourning.
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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, right, and his Cuban counterpart Miguel Díaz-Canel shake hands at the conclusion of a news briefing after their meeting at the Saadabad Palace in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023. (AP)
Cuba announced a public day of mourning over the passing of Iranian Presiden Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and their companions, after their helicopter crashed in northwestern Iran.
According to the Iranian state-owned media outlet IRNA, Cuba declared a nationwide day of mourning, starting at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday until Wednesday noon, in solidarity with the Islamic Republic. The Cuban flag will also be flown at half-mast across the nation.
In a statement, Cuba said its government and people share this "painful moment" with Iran, and expressed faith that it would recover and continue as it always has after the unfortunate incident.
On Monday, as news of the passing of President Raisi, Minister Amir-Abdollahian, and their companions hit the glove, Cuban President Miguel Diaz extended his condolences, saying his government and people regretted the “loss of a great friend and admirable politician who was loved by his people.”
Read more: Iran reaffirms continuation of departed President Raisi's path
Iran's tragic loss
On Monday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and accompanying officials passed away in the tragic helicopter crash in Iran's East Azerbaijan Province, according to an official statement by Iranian state media.
After locating the helicopter carrying the Iranian President and accompanying officials on Monday morning, Iran's Red Crescent Society (IRCS) issued a preliminary statement noting that there was "no sign of life" found near the wreckage locations.
This announcement comes over 16 hours after the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps reported they had lost contact with the helicopter carrying the officials. Since then, at least 73 rapid response and rescue teams from the provinces of East Azarbaijan, Tehran, Alborz, Ardabil, Zanjan, and West Azarbaijan were involved in the search and rescue operations led by the Iranian RCS.
Additionally, countries such as Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia participated in the search and rescue efforts in the province.
Read more: Governments extend deepest condolences to Iran amid its tragic loss
