GAVAR, NOVEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Marat Sinanyan, engineer and photographer from Gavar city, presented a photograph to ARMENPRESS, which depicts leader of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro, with several USSR party and state officials.

According to Marat Sinanyan, he took the photo back in 1963 in Leningrad.

“At that time I was studying in Leningrad. Since I loved photographing and was engaged with several newspapers and agencies, I was acquainted with Abraham Mazelev, correspondent of LENTASS. He asked me to photograph Castro instead of him during a reception in Smolny, because he had serious problems with his vision. I photographed Fidel and the accompanying USSR officials with his camera. At Mazelev’s request, I gave the photo to the central newspapers and news agencies, however with his signature. I couldn’t reject his request. I was taken to Smolny accompanied by security services. I still have the photo, as respect to the leader of the Cuban revolution”, Sinanyan said.

At the same day, due to Marat Sinanyan, the request letter of Cuban students of Leningrad is passed on to Fidel Castro in Smolny. The students requested to increase their pension, which is granted.

“When my student friend Jorje found out that I have to photograph Fidel Castro’s visit and reception in Smolny, he asked me to pass on the request-letter of him and his student friends to the Cuban leader. Jorje and his friends were requesting the Cuban government to increase their scholarships, because the 60 ruble sum was not enough for living. Through one of our security agents, I passed on the letter to Fidel Castro’s bodyguard. Fidel respected the students’ request, and after just one month the scholarships were doubled. The Cuban’s were very happy, they were giving me gifts, they were honoring me. I maintained contact with Jorje until 2000”, Sinanyan said.