Cuba publishes ‘Che’ Guevara’s revolution diary

The widow and daughter of Cuba's revolutionary hero Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, Aleida March, left, and Aleida Guevara, attend the presentation of the book 'Diary of a Combatant' that recounts Guevara's experience during the guerrilla campaign that brought Fidel Castro to power in 1959 in Havana, Cuba, Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Published by the Australian firm Ocean Press/Ocean Sur, the book was edited by the Che Guevara Studies Centre, which is directed by his widow Aleida March. (AP Photo/Miguel Guzman, Prensa Latina)

People line up to receive a copy the 'Diary of a Combatant'.(AP Photo/Javier Galeano)

HAVANA — Cuba has published revolutionary icon Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s journal from the guerrilla campaign he fought with Fidel Castro.

“Diary of a Combatant” covers the period from 1956 until late 1958, days before the Cuban Revolution swept Castro to power.

It begins with his arrival in Cuba aboard the yacht “Granma” with Fidel and Raul Castro and covers his march from the eastern side of the island to the capital.

It was launched in Havana on Tuesday — which would have been Guevara’s 83rd birthday. Guevara’s widow Aleida March and one of his daughters were on hand to sign copies.

March told reporters the purpose of publishing the diary is “to acknowledge his thoughts, life and work.”

Guevara was killed in Bolivia in 1967.