GREECE’S embattled government received much-needed pledges of international solidarity yesterday.

Cuban President Raul Castro sent a message of congratulations to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. “This result demonstrates the majority support of the Greek people for the courageous policy of the government over which you preside,” he wrote.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed support for the Greek people in overcoming the difficulties facing their country.

International Transport Workers’ Federation General Secretary Steve Cotton, who had just returned from meeting Greek affiliates, said that workers and pensioners were deeply concerned about their future, especially as they had already paid the price of “an irresponsible economic monetary system.

“The referendum vote makes clear that they decisively reject the dead end of austerity,” he said

The Congress of South African Trade Unions saluted “the overwhelming victory of the workers and people of Greece over austerity and imposition of neo-liberalism in a democratic referendum.”