President-elect of Panama receives Esteban Lazo

PANAMA, July 1.— Ricardo Martinelli, the president-elect of Panama, today received Cuban Vice President Esteban Lazo, who is leading a delegation from the island to the swearing-in ceremony. Spokespersons from the new government indicated that the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, as well as other aspects of interest for the two nations. Likewise, the incoming Panamanian administration expressed its interest in bilateral cooperation, including the possibility of extending its reach. Lazo’s agenda also included a tribute to General Omar Torrijos during a visit to the San Pablo Apóstol Church in the capital, which contains the ashes of the late revolutionary, safeguarded by the religious congregation of this institution. On behalf of the Cuban government, the Cuban vice president placed a floral wreath at the urn containing Torrijos’ ashes. Lazo conversed with several of the members of the congregation and stated that leaders “disappear physically, but their ideas live on”. For us, he added, “it is source of satisfaction to come and recall a figure who worked alongside the people and for the people”. The Cuban delegation is also made up of José Arbesú, deputy head of the International Relations Department of the Central Committee of the Party, and Alejandro González, deputy foreign minister. (PL)