The President of the UN General Assembly, Nicaraguan Miguel D'Escoto, paid tribute on Tuesday to the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, and to late Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere.

Speaking at an event organized by the Social Development Commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) on the occasion of the World Day of Social Justice, D'Escoto recalled that Nyerere helped Africa get rid of colonialism and establish an economic and social system in which human beings are the main element.  

Prensa Latina reported that, in regards to Fidel Castro, the UN official said that "rather than a hero, Fidel is what best resembles a saint in our troubled world."  

He added that the United Nations and all humanity are in debt with Fidel Castro, who has dedicated his life to promote and practice solidarity with the oppressed peoples of the world.  

D'Escoto also referred to the emergence of new leaders such as Bolivian Evo Morales who, he said, is overcoming all difficulties to lead the indigenous peoples of Bolivia and around the world to their rightful place in society.  

Finally, the president of the UN General Assembly stressed that it is impossible to attain development, integration and social justice without peace, security and respect for human rights.