months with diplomatic relations restored with former u.s. impact from people who knew fidel castro as leader of the country and essentially a father figure for cuba for many years now. will that change? what it s going to change psychologically for cubans and for the polit igs of that country? all of those questions will be getting answers to in the hours and i dare say the days to come. former president and revolutionary leader was 90 years old. rumors have periodically surfaced about his death before but can confirm that fidel castro has passed away in havana. born in cuba, fled the cuban revolution in 1959 turning island nation into the first
patrick ottoman is joining us from havana. what can you tell us athis stage? i know it s early hours. reporter: that s right. news landed like a bomb on cuba. a man who has ruled this island and had influence across the world for 60 years now. just beginning to feel the aftereffects. announcement made after typical event here to mark a revolutionary victory. i m told that raul castro took to the stage to announce the death. iconic leader who has angered u.s. presidents for decades. some have called him a dictator, others a freedom fighter. but a man who has lived a life like few others and apparently that life has come to an end. raul castro, the younger brother
personality. but school children required to memorize speeches and revere as national hero and commemorate his arrival as revolutioniaary havana. will endure for years to come. cnn havana. those who just turned on your tv. breaking news, fidel castro, former cuban leader is now confirmed dead. he was 90 years old. for years had been out of the public eye. rumors surfaced about his death previously but now confirm he passed away in havana. here with colleague george howell and be with you for next couple of hours on this breaking news of the utmost importance. this is one of the seminal figures of the 20th to 21st century. few people in this planet have