Paris - Jose Marti''s thought enlightens those who dream of a better world, highlighted Monday in France during a tribute to Cuba''s National Hero, on the 166th anniversary of his birth.

Cubans and French friends gathered to recall the Apostle, an occasion when Justo Rodriguez, Head of Political Affairs and Educational Cooperation at the Cuban embassy in Paris, stressed his universal thinking.

The diplomat reminded attendees that Marti's example was a guide for the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.

In this regard, he quoted his words when he said that 'Marti is the idea of good, we have received from Marti the ethical principles without which a Revolution cannot even be conceived. We also receive from him his inspiring patriotism and a high concept of honor and human dignity as no one in the world could have taught us.

Rodriguez argued the exceptional example of creator and humanist Marti bequeathed is to be remembered throughout the centuries.

' Now, when the United States intensifies the brutal blockade against our country, Marti's sense of unity is totally valid regarding the main issues that concern Cubans in transcendental moments the Homeland is living', he said.

In this regard, he specifically referred to the constitutional referendum to be held soon in Cuba, where the unitary sense prevailing in Marti and Fidel's thinking is appreciated.

After the ceremony, Cuban children and teenagers laid a floral offering in front of Martí's bust in the Square of Latin America, northeast of Paris.

The meeting was attended by the staff of Cuba's state mission in France, Cuban residents, as well as friends of solidarity organizations such as France-Cuba and Cuba Si France.