Madrid - Ambassadors and officials from some twenty diplomatic missions in Spain have paid tribute today to the late historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

A wreath was laid at the front of the Cuban embassy in Madrid, which since the death of the legendary statesman, a week ago, has received thousands of expressions of sorrow and sympathy for the man who led the island to full sovereignty.

The Cuban ambassador to Spain, Eugenio Martinez, on behalf of the people and government of his country, thanked his peers from Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East for their expressions of solidarity. 'Cubans have a strong commitment to maintain Fidel's legacy and strengthen the Revolution, the only process that made us free and independent,' Martinez said.

'This is a sad moment for Cuba and, even though we thought we were prepared, we were not, emotionally speaking,' the diplomat said.

'The socialist project in the Caribbean nation have given every guarantee to continue what Fidel began and adapt it to the times as he himself said, 'Revolution is changing everything that should be changed,'' the ambassador said.

'We appreciate these sincere and deep expressions of sympathy,' the head of the Caribbean legation stressed.

For the people of Latin America and the Caribbean, the loss of Commander Fidel Castro represents a great sorrow, the Venezuelan ambassador to Spain, Mario Isea, told Prensa Latina.