Cuba Solidarity Around the World


See also the Blockade Page for international response to the passage of Helms Burton

III National Meeting Of The Mexican Movement In Solidarity With Cuba (MMSC)

February 28 - March 1, 1998, Mexico City

The Cuban-American National Alliance and its Mexican sister organizations in Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua attended the meeting in Mexico City by invitation of the MMSC. Over 400 enthusiastic persons registered to participate in the event in the theater and classrooms of the Worker's University, from February 28 to March 1.

The ceremonies opened at the college theater with a symphony orchestra playing the stirring notes of the Mexican and Cuban national anthems. Representatives of all major Mexican political parties, the Cuban Ambassador to Mexico, ICAP, CDR and Parliament representatives as well as speakers for the MMSC led the ceremonies from the tabled stage. The audience waved Cuban flags, chanted pro-Cuba slogans and gave standing ovations to the Cuban officials present.

Individual work sessions began with open discussions of conditions in Mexico, history of accomplishments and the internal situation of the movement.

The current situation of the blockade included discussions on the correlation of forces in the U.S. --Pastors for Peace and other solidarity groups, the impact of the Pope's declarations against neoliberalism and the blockade, United Nations accords against the blockade and proposals by contras for its partial lifting (food and medicines).

Political solidarity, as separate from humanitarian assistance, is to be the fundamental direction of Mexican solidarity with Cuba. The concrete work plan for the diverse groups included a comprehensive campaign of increased contact among the states of Mexico, the Federal District and Cuba. In addition to the fax, the internet will play an increasing role in communications --to be accompanied by visits and joint activities.

The participants concurred in providing full support and cooperation to the Pastors for Peace caravans to Cuba. Humanitarian assistance can be more efficiently provided by this organization rather than individual efforts, which are often more costly than the worth of the contributions.

On behalf of CANA, Luis Martin addressed the plenary session explaining the committees' objectives of national and international cooperation as well as its past and future activities. The audience responded in agreement that neoliberalism can not be effectively fought within one country.

He mentioned that both money and popular support are essential in passing controversial legislation in the U.S. Pending legislation in congress to lift the food and medicines embargo enjoys the backing of business organizations but lacks significant popular support. He stressed that the movement in the U.S. needs to form regional Political Action Committees to counteract the political influence of the exiled counter-revolution and lend crucial popular support to anti-blockade legislation.

Rio Group-European Union Gathering Condemns Helms-Burton

Havana, February 12(RHC)-- The Latin American regional organization Rio Group and the European Union wound up a gathering today in Panama in which criticisms of U.S. policies dominated the agenda.

During the 8th Rio Group-EU Ministerial Gathering, speakers blasted Washington's unilateral measures like the Helms- Burton Law, criticized the U.S.'s rush to create a free trade zone of the Americas, and condemned the conditioning of Washington's cooperation on the so-called "certification" of good conduct of the region's governments.

The Vice President of the European Commission, Manuel Marin, said the fast track oftentimes leads to unforeseeable accidents. He also said the war on drugs should be based on global responsibility.

The European Parliament's Director of Relations with South America, Ana Miranda de Lage, called on the two regional bodies to take into consideration Cuba's desire to participate in this transatlantic dialogue.

United Nations Approves 6th Consecutive Resolution Against Us Blockade Of Cuba

Another Record Vote

Havana, November 5, 1997 (RHC)-- The United Nations General Assembly approved today the 6th consecutive resolution against the US blockade of Cuba with another record vote.

With 143 nations in favor of lifting the blockade, 3 against and 17 abstentions, the UN General Assembly has upped the ante with respect to last year's vote: 137 in favor, the same 3 against -- the United States, Israel and Uzbekistan -- and 25 abstentions.

The vote has been growing in Cuba's favor each year since 1992, with 59 in favor, 3 against and 71 abstentions. 18 delegations participated in the debate leading up to the vote, in which countries like China, Argentina, Indonesia and Luxembourg -- in representation of the European Union -- condemned the US's unilateral and extraterritorial measures.

Observers are calling the UN vote the strongest response yet to efforts to intensify the blockade with the Helms-Burton Law. And, according to analysts, the vote will further strengthen Cuba's position at the upcoming Iberoamerican Summit in Venezuela.

The U.N. Resolution to End the U.S. Embargo of Cuba
 YEAR		IN FAVOR	AGAINST		ABSTAIN

 1997		143		3		17

 1996		139		3		25

 1995		117		3		38

 1994		101		2		48

 1993		88		4		57

 1992		59		3		70

Juarez Meeting Pledges Solidarity With Cuba

March 15, 1997

Displaying the Cuban and Mexican flags Luis Antonio Martinez and Efrain Gomez of the Cuban solidarity group "Children are the Hope of the World" addressed a large audience at the autonomous University of Juarez on the Helms-Burton Law.

They were joined by Luis Martin of the Cuban-American Alliance who stated: "The Helms-Burton Law is not only an attack on Cuba, it an attack on the sovereignty and self-determination of all the peoples of the world."

After the presentation, the speakers joined in a lively question and answer session in which most members of the audience asked, "What can we do to help Cuba?" The event was covered by Mexican TV and newspapers.

Luis Antonio Martinez asked the audience to participate in regional solidarity activities and the upcoming Youth Festival in Cuba. He also extended an invitation to join local events commemorating the 30th anniversary of the death of Ernesto Che Guevara.

On March 22, birthday of Mexican independence hero, Benito Juarez, the organizers will meet again in Juarez with solidarity groups arriving from different parts of Mexico and the U.S. The purpose of the parley is to form a regional organization of Cuba solidarity organizations and activists.

The Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples has sent an encouraging message of support for the objectives of the meeting.

Persons interested in participating are urged to call:
(505) 885-0637
Carlsbad, New Mexico

The Fight Against Blockade is International

From Luis Martin of the The Cuban-American National Alliance

Date: Sun, 17 Mar 1996 22:47:20 -0800 (PST) lmartin@igc.apc.org

The Cuban-American National Alliance calls on all solidarity organizations and activists in the U.S. to strongly protest the violation of the rights of other nations to conduct international free trade with Cuba and the sovereignty of all nations involved.

The Cuban-American National Alliance, in cooperation with sister organizations in Mexico, Canada and South Africa, have begun a political offensive to combat the Helms Burton law on the international arena.

We urge you to fax letters to consulates in the U.S. to take strong action against the Helms-Burton law. We are hoping that nations will take reprisals against companies and individuals responsible for authoring the Helms-Burton law and enact punitive legislation to encourage congress to repeal it. The following is a sample letter faxed to various consulates by the Cuban-American National Alliance:

March 14, 1996

Dear sirs:

We are concerned citizens of the United States of America who oppose the Helms-Burton Act that strengthens the economic embargo of Cuba. We have opposed this legislation for several reasons. First, this law is one more effort to invoke an ineffective and bankrupt policy that for thirty- five years has failed to oust the Cuban government and harms the weak and vulnerable of Cuba. Second, the Helms-Burton Act only represents a small but rich and politically powerful segment of the Cuban-American community. A silent majority of Cuban-Americans and a majority of citizens of the United States have never favored our government's stringent policies towards Cuba. Third, the Helms-Burton Act seeks to impose its laws on the governments of other countries in flagrant disregard to the sovereignty of all other nations and in clear violation of international law.

Invoking violations of neutrality laws, the U.S. government swiftly confiscated weapons and incarcerated Cuban inpendence fighters in the U.S during the Cuban war of independence from Spain. After World War II, the same government opposed a world wide embargo of Spain to punish General Franco for supporting Adolf Hitler. Then in 1977 the U.S. government again opposed an Arab embargo of Israel calling it a violation of free trade. The embargo of Cuba does not stand to the test of any egalitarian principle and only serves the perverted needs of domestic politics in an election year. We believe that this should not be the standard by which a country that calls itself a world leader should conduct foreign policy and international trade.

Many of our fellow citizens have worked and will continue to work through democratic processes to end our government's profane policy towards Cuba. However, with the enactment of Helms-Burton bill into law, we need the support and strength of the international community to help steer our government towards a sensible Cuba policy. We urge the government of your country to fervently oppose the Helms-Burton Act and encourage it to take whatever action it deems necessary to protect its own and Cuba's rights of sovereignty and free trade. The United States government must be encouraged to seek a peaceful and constructive means to settle its differences with the island-nation and respect the rights of other nations.

Fax numbers:
Consulate of Great Britain (202) 898-4255
Consulate of France: (202) 944-6175
Consulate of Canada: (202) 682-7726
Consulate of Russia: (202) 298-5735
Consulate of Italy: (202) 328-5593
Consulate of Spain: (202) 833-5670

Foreign personnel in Washington, DC evaluating retaliatory actions:

U.S. Law On Cuba Condemned

Source: San Francisco Chronicle News Service

Friday March 15, 1996

Strasbourg-- The European Parliament condemned the United States Yesterday for its approval of a new law that seeks to outlaw foreign investment in Cuba.

The parliament asked the European Commission , the executive branch of the 15-state European Union, "to investigate the effects of the law on European business" and strongly considered challenging them "as a serious infringement of the GATT, World Trade organization (rules) and international law.

Norwegian Government Donates Medical Equipment To Cuba


From Radio Havana Cuba --February 22, 1996

Oslo, February 22(RHC)-- One of the most important non- governmental organizations in Norway -- the Latin American Health Fund -- has presented an important donation of medical equipment and computers to Cuba. The donation of 250 computers, 35,000 plates of x-ray film and other medical equipment was presented to Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina during his visit to the Norwegian capital of Oslo.

The Cuban foreign minister made the comparison between this important medical donation by Norway and the violent, repressive response by U.S. authorities against Pastors for Peace, who have unsuccessfully tried to bring medical aid to Cuba in recent weeks. During his official visit to Norway, Cuban Foreign Minister Roberto Robaina has been meeting with government officials, including the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Commerce and Latin American diplomats accredited in Norway.

International Reaction To U.S. Congressional Passage Of Infamous Helms-Burton Bill

Mexico City, March 7(RHC)-- Mexican Foreign Minister Jose Angel Gurria told journalists in the Mexican capital that his government will not change its position concerning Cuba, which has always been one of support and respect. Concerning the imminent signing of the Helms-Burton bill by U.S. President Bill Clinton, the Mexican foreign minister said that the extraterritorial nature of the legislation is against international law. Gurria pointed to the contradictions between provisions which punish other countries for doing business with Cuba and the concept of free trade embodied in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). He also recalled that Mexico has never broken diplomatic or commercial relations with Cuba, even during the early 1960s when the United States pressured all other countries making up the Organization of American States to break relations with the island.

La Paz, March 7(RHC)-- The Bolivian Ministry of Foreign Relations announced Thursday that contacts are being made with the Rio Group in order to come up with a collective statement in opposition to the anti-Cuba Helms-Burton bill. According to Bolivian Foreign Minister Antonio Aranibar, all Latin American nations must "defend the sovereignty of other countries in the Americas." He said that Bolivia is concerned with the extraterritorial nature of the impending law, which seeks to tighten the U.S. blockade of the island and punish other countries for having commercial relations with Cuba.

Brasilia, March 7(RHC)-- Brazilian Foreign Minister Luis Felipe Lampreia condemned the U.S. congressional approval of the Helms- Burton bill. In statements to journalists in Brasilia, the capital, the Brazilian foreign minister characterized the provisions of the impending U.S. law as, in his words, "disrespect for international law." He said that the Brazilian government has communicated its opposition to the bill to U.S. President Clinton, adding that respect for the sovereignty of Cuba and the principle of non-intervention are paramount.

Brussels, March 7(RHC)-- The European Union has condemned the Helms-Burton bill, designed to tighten the U.S. blockade against Cuba. In an open-letter to the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, Stuart Eizenstat, the 15-member nations expressed their concern over the extraterritorial provisions of the bill, stating that the proposed legislation violates international law and accords of the World Trade Organization.

The letter -- which was delivered to the U.S. representative this morning in Brussels -- states that "the European Union cannot accept the immediate impact of the [Helms-Burton] legislation on our commercial operations... which we consider a violation of our legitimate commercial interests."

The European Union also condemned the provision of Helms-Burton which opens the U.S. judicial system to claims by U.S. citizens against foreign companies or individuals investing in properties that were nationalized by the Cuban Revolution.

Mexico City, March 7(RHC)-- The Mexican Movement in Solidarity with Cuba has grown with the inclusion of more than 60 non- governmental organizations that have expressed their support of the island economically and politically. According to Edgar Sanchez -- member of the solidarity movement and a deputy of the opposition Party of the Democratic Revolution, the PRD -- more than 100 demonstrators gathered in front of the U.S. embassy in Mexico City yesterday. The protest was held at the same time that other demonstrations were carried out in the United States, Spain, Colombia, Uruguay and Brazil. Sanchez said that the arrogant attitude of the United States towards Cuba is a reflection of its arrogance towards the rest of Latin America and must be opposed by all countries that defend the right of self- determination.

Managua, March 7(RHC)-- In Nicaragua, some 30 organizations in solidarity with Cuba have expressed their support of the island's self-determination. The groups called for the formation of a united front to prevent any further aggressions against Cuba. In an open letter to the Nicaraguan representative before the United Nations, the solidarity organizations condemned the U.S. government's anti-Cuba campaign and defended the recent downing of two Florida-based aircraft as the legitimate right to self- defense.

CUBA-CANADA: U.S. View of Cuba Far From Canada's

by Stephen Dale


07-Mar-96

OTTAWA, Mar 7 (IPS) - Canada's opposition to U.S. measures against Cuba shows that Canadians are betting on a different kind of future for the Caribbean island than the one Washington envisions, say analysts here.

''Canada does not demonise Fidel Castro the way the Americans do,'' Juanita Montalvo, programme director at the Canadian Foundation for the Americas (FOCAL), a think-tank here. ''People in the Canadian government are concerned by the problem of political rights in Cuba, but they see things in a different context.''

Montalvo said Canadian policymakers did not think that internal rebellion against the Castro government -- which many U.S. lawmakers and Cuban-Americans say is inevitable -- was likely.

Instead, Canadian officials say young, neo-socialist policy- makers around Castro are pushing for an ''evolution'' of Cuban policy and are trying to support the process through aid, trade, and international contact, Montalvo said.

The contrasting approaches to relations with Cuba have often created problems in Canada-U.S. relations, but the tension has increased markedly with the passage this week of the bill in the U.S. Congress to tighten Washington's embargo against Cuba.

The measure, sponsored by the right-wing Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jesse Helms and Congressman Dan Burton would punish countries which trade with Cuba if they transact business involving properties confiscated by the Communist government since the 1959 revolution.

Canada has denounced the bill as an infringement on the rights of countries to determine their own foreign policy, and as a violation of international trade rules. Cuban Americans would be able to use U.S. courts to sue foreign companies that do business in Cuba. The executives of these companies would be denied entry to the United States.

''We never accept the notion of extra-territorial application of American laws,'' Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien told a meeting of Caribbean leaders in Grenada, last week. ''We have to respect the jurisdiction of every country and I said so to the president of the United States.''

Canada also claims that the provision that would deny business executives entrance to the United States is a violation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Canada's discomfort with Cuba's human rights record is tempered by an appreciation of the way the country has distributed social benefits, said FOCAL's Montalvo.

''In liberal democracies, we generally put a high price on political rights and assign a lower priority to social rights such as access to education and health,'' she said.

''But the Cuban experience turns this upside down,'' Montalvo told IPS. ''The biggest beef the world has with Cuba is the lack of political rights, the absence of the right to free association, the existence of prisoners of conscience.

''But there is a much greater commitment to social rights in Cuba than elsewhere in Latin America. Although this means nothing to the U.S., Canadians are very aware of the social gains that Cubans have made, and they respect that,'' said Montalvo.

Much of Canada's aid to Cuba is aimed at bolstering a social sector badly damaged by the withdrawal of Cuba's eastern bloc trading partners and the tightening of the U.S. embargo.

When Canada restored its aid to Cuba in 1994 after having cut assistance in 1978 to protest Cuba's military involvement in Angola, Ottawa announced that it was responding to requests from Canadian humanitarian and religious groups.

''The Cold War is long over,'' said then-foreign minister Andre Oulette. ''The people of Cuba are suffering from food shortages brought on by economic crisis.''

Among the development projects supported by Canada, is one providing solar stoves for use in homes, day-care centres and other institutions, another to manage a thermal electricity plant, and another to revitalise Havana's central park.

Morina Moraitis, communications officer at the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), says CIDA is considering new aid for the health and education sectors.

Other Canadian initiatives, including a master's degree programme in free market economics, indicate a desire by Canada to encourage change. Funded by CIDA and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the programme has economics professors from Ottawa's Carleton University travel to the University of Havana to teach about exchange rates, taxation, and other aspects of a market economy.

''We think that if you want change to happen in Cuba, the way that change is happening is through the economy and its happening rapidly,'' said economist Gary McMahon, a senior specialist at the IDRC who helped develop the programme.

McMahon argues that the loosening of economic restrictions will open up the political system.

Canadian business people take a similar view.

''The business environment has changed quite markedly in Cuba,'' says Jim Moore, vice-president of policy for the Canadian Exporters Association (CEA) in Ottawa.

''Foreign investment is invited. Private businesses are opening up,'' he said. ''Eventually this will lead to much more democracy, and you would think this should be encouraged by the United States rather than discouraged.''

Moore adds that much of the Canadian business involvement in Cuba is in the tourism sector. He thinks the sanctions bill may succeed in scaring Canadian companies away from Cuba. Since 79 percent of Canada's exports are to the United States (worth about 150 billion U.S. dollars, compared to only 185 million dollars of business with Cuba), Canada is vulnerable to U.S. pressure.

''If you are doing business in the United States and you are found to be trafficking in confiscated property, however that phrase is to be interpreted, clearly you have a serious problem,'' Moore said.

Montalvo says the most positive aspect of this crisis is that it has strengthened Canada's resolve to work with Latin American and Caribbean nations in a multilateral process.

''Many Latin American countries, having a history of U.S. intervention, relate this bill to a place where the U.S. acts outside of its borders in a highly adversarial way,'' she said.

Just as those nations need Canada as an ally, ''Canada will need the Latin Americans in the future,'' she said. ''So I think there is some mutual benefit to working together.'' (END/IPS/SD/YJC/96)

Origin: Washington/CUBA-CANADA/ ----


[c] 1996, InterPress Third World News Agency (IPS) All rights reserved

Solidaridad con Cuba desde Chile

La Coordinadora de Grupos Solidarios con Cuba de Chile, ha enviado una carta al Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores de nuestro país, protestando por el voto contra Cuba de Chile en el Consejo de Seguridad de las Naciones Unidas. Le enviamos las partes más significativas de esta carta para que sea publicada en la sección de noticias de su página de Solidaridad con el pueblo cubano. Esperamos, a partir de esto, mantener un contacto frecuente, tanto para saber qué acciones se desarrollan en el mundo al respecto, como para contarles lo que se hace en Chile.

Saludos

"Sr. José Miguel Insulza Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores de Chile PRESENTE

De nuestra mayor consideración:

La coordinadora de grupos solidarios con Cuba se dirige a Usted para manifestar su protesta formal ante las recientes declaraciones del Embajador de Chile ante Naciones Unidas, Sr. Juan Somavía, censurando la actuación del gobierno cubano ante la repetida violación de su territorio aéreo por la aviación estadounidense.

Doblemente censurable es su actuación puesto que, en primer lugar ha sido recabada sin recabar información bilateral, actualmente disponible y, en segundo lugar, por no haber consultado previamente al gobierno de Chile, en una materia extraordinariamente sensible como lo es el tema de las relaciones entre Cuba y los EEUU de NA.

Es absolutamente inaceptable que el incidente aéreo sea presentado a la opinión pública como un hecho aislado en el que fuerzas aéreas civiles norteamericanas, en misión humanitaria, hayan sido derribadas en aguas extraterritoriales por la fuerza aérea cubana. Los hechos demuestran lo contrario, según lo establece el análisis histórico de lo sucedido en el espacio aéreo cubano desde 1959 a la fecha, y la información reciente, respaldada documentalmente y entregada públicamente por el gobierno de Cuba

El gobierno cubano lo ha expresado con claridad: los EEUU no habrían permitido un solo vuelo sobre su territorio, en tanto Cuba ha debido soportar miles de ellos y las consecuencias gravísimas que de ellos se han derivado, para la vida de los cubanos, y para la supervivencia del proceso revolucionario. La propia declaración de independencia de los EEUU, del 4 de Julio de 1776, consagra, como primer postulado irrenunciable, el derecho natural de cada pueblo a decidir por si mismo, su propio destino. Ningún país de América Latina ha sido objeto jamás de tan colosales presiones ni soportado las hostilidades a que permanece sometida Cuba cuando se presume concluida la llamada Guerra Fría.

La Coordinadora de Grupos Solidarios con Cuba, a la luz de estos antecedentes, solicita del Sr. Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores y del Gobierno de Chile una respuesta a esta presentación plausible de las declaraciones del Sr. Juan Somavía en Naciones Unidas.

Coordinadora De Grupos Solidarios Con Cuba.
Santiago de Chile, 29 de Febrero de 1996.
cperez@reuna.cl

Mr N. Stott
Southern African-Cuba Conference Coordinating Committee
c/o Po Box 1027
Johannesburg
2000
Fax: 011-4031005

16 February 1996

To: The United States Ambassador to South Africa

Your Excellency

It was with great shock and disappointment that the Southern African Cuba Conference Coordinating Committee learned of the unjustified seizure of computer equipment destined for Cuba on the 31 January 1996.

On Saturday, February 17, the Cuba Solidarity movement in the U.S. will once again attempt to deliver caravans of medical aid supplies -- including more personal computers -- to Cuban medical facilities. The medicines and medical computers are headed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center in Havana for their distribution to INFOMED. The backbone of the INFOMED system was funded by the United Nations Special Projects and the computers are being donated to an on-line medical information system which will link hospitals, clinics, and medical schools throughout Cuba's fourteen provinces.

We are sure that the United States Government is well aware that Cuba desperately needs these computers to improve its health system. These computers were legally collected by Pastors for Peace from American citizens who wish to assist the Cuban people.

It is difficult for us to understand how, in a democratic society, people can be prevented from exercising their rights, including their right to care, and be subjected to harassment and intimidation. President Nelson Mandela has acknowledged those who contributed to the South African peoples' liberation.

At the first Southern Africa-Cuban Solidarity Conference he expressed our indebtedness to the Cuban people for the selfless contribution they made to the anti-colonial and anti-apartheid struggle in our region. He noted too that the majority of South Africans reject an approach to foreign relations premised on nostalgia for the Cold War. They reject the notion that Cuba should be starved into ideological submission.

Our organization was set up:

As such, we urge your government to allow, and indeed facilitate, these items to reach Cuba safely and without interference. We trust that your Excellency will pass on our concern and this request to the President of the United States.

Yours sincerely

Mr. Noel Stott
On behalf of the Southern African-Cuba Conference Coordinating Committee

United Nations Resolution Against The Blockade

For the fourth consecutive year, the General Assembly of the U.N. approved a Resolution condemning the economic blockade that the U.S. has applied to Cuba for more than 30 years. Votes in favor of the Resolution have grown from 59 in 1992 to 117 in 1995.

Year:   In Favor:   Against:   Abstentions: 
1992         59         3         71

1993         88         4         57

1994        101         2         48

1995        117         3         38

See also: Article on the most recent U.N. vote condemning the US blockade.

Canadians Open Up Another Front Against the Embargo

Another 35 computers and 19 modems were seized by U.S. Customs in Highgate, Vermont on February 17. The modems had been purchased in the U.S. by Canadian citizens. At least 23 of the computers seized in San Diego were donated by Canadians, who had been told by U.S. Customs that they could take the computers through the U.S. and on to Cuba. They even posted a bond for them. Canadian churches, labor unions , and Members of Parliament are calling on the Clinton Administration to release their aid.

EU Considers Trade Pact with Cuba

San Francisco Chronicle News Services, 2/12/96

Havana -- European Commission officials began talks with Cuban officials yesterday on an economic cooperation accord between the European Union and Cuba.

...The EU has economic agreements with all Latin American countries except Cuba. It is proceding with this one despite the U.S. demand that its economic embargo against Cuba be observbed by all countries.

French Solidarity Organizations Send Aid To Cuba

(From Radio Havana Cuba's international short-wave service in English for Tuesday, January 2, 1996.)

Paris, January 2(RHC)-- Sponsored by French trade unions and Cuba solidarity organizations in Paris, a shipment of 27 buses and 10 containers filled with humanitarian assistance will soon arrive in Havana.

The shipment left the French port of Le Havre on December 30th, and included medicines, hospital beds, clothing, and construction material.

Cuba's ambassador to France, Raul Roa Kouri, described the solidarity donation as a message of friendship by the French working class to its Cuban counterpart.

Galician Government Donates Humanitarian Aid To Cuba

Havana, January 4(RHC)-- The government of the autonomous Spanish region of Galicia has donated more than 300 tons of humanitarian aid to Cuba since 1992, mostly for the use of the Galician community on the island, which is made up of over 18 thousand people. Sources with the Galician regional government explained that donations included food, medicines, school materials, toiletries and clothing. The first delivery of Galician humanitarian assistance took place following the visit to Cuba in 1991 of the President of the Galician government, Manuel Fraga.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 2/6/96 -- From Pastors for Peace
US Customs Prevent Canadians From Donating Humanitarian Aid To Cuba

Canadian Citizens Lied To By US Customs.
Blaine, Washington Customs Officer Shocked At Behavior Of San Diego Counterparts.

When the 6th Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba carrying over 300 used computers for medical use in Cuba reached the Otay Mesa border crossing near San Diego, California, all computers, including 35 from Canada, were seized by us customs officials. There were 4 Canadian citizens and one landed immigrant accompanying the caravan.

The Canadians had been allowed to cross the border at Blaine , WA. bringing their computers peacefully into the United States. they were told the computers must leave the us, in fact they were issued a bond which clearly stated the final destination of the computers was Cuba and which obliged the Canadians to ensure the computers did not remain in the us. Blaine customs officials are now saying the Canadians were clearly told their computers would not be allowed out of us territory. This is completely untrue.

The Canadians have officially requested the return of their property but, to date, the US Customs have refused to release the goods, alleging that us computers had been substituted for Canadian ones. the bond lists the serial numbers of Canadian cargo and the four Canadians have offered to help identify their property.

The Canadian citizens who tried to comply with a us customs bond and take their computers across the Otay Mesa border crossing are shaken by treatment they received at the hands of us customs officials, insulted by the allegations made against them and disgusted at the way they, as citizens of one NAFTA signatory, have been dealt with by officials of another NAFTA signatory.

"All we want is to comply with the terms of the US Customs bond and take our computers out of the us and on to Cuba," a spokesperson for the five Canadian caravanistas said.

ANC/SACP/COSATU Alliance Statement

US blockade of Cuba - We condemn the Helms-Burton Bill

In the face of world-wide condemnation of the 35-year US blockade of Cuba, right-wing Republican senators, led by Jesse Helms, have now introduced a Bill into Congress. The Helms-Burton Bill is designed to tighten up and internationalise the blockade.

Amongst other things, it aims to prohibit the import of sugar, molasses, syrups and products containing these items from countries which, in turn, import them from Cuba. In this and other ways the Bill seeks to punish third countries and non-US companies trading with Cuba. The Bill is in gross violation of World Trade Organisation rules - a fact that has been forcefully stated by European Union, and by UK, Canadian, German and French government spokespersons.

The Bill also prescribes in detail the kind of "transitional" political institutions that are required in Cuba. It grossly interferes with Cuban sovereignty and is prescriptive in ways that the US was careful not to be in the recent South African transition process.

Our ANC-led movement and our newly elected Government of National Unity have consistently condemned the US blockade. Last year in the UN General Assembly, SA was one of 101 countries voting against the blockade. Only two (the US and Israel) voted for its retention.

The Helms-Burton move to strengthen this Cold War anachronism is absolutely unacceptable. We call for the normalisation of US-Cuba relations. Over the past year, there have been some promising signs that the beginnings of normalisation were in prospect. We now call on the Clinton Administration to firmly resist the retrograde move by right-wind Republican senators.

As for Senator Jesse Helms, South Africans have good reason to be suspicious of his deep concerns for democracy in Cuba. Over the past fifteen years, Helms has been the most outspoken and unabashed defender of white minority rule in our country.

Issued by the Department of Information and Publicity
P.O. Box 61884,
Marshalltown 2107,
31 May 1995

British Youth Brigade Completes Work In Ciego De Avila

Havana, January 4(RHC)-- The British solidarity organization "Our Time" has just completed a week of volunteer work on agricultural projects here in Cuba. The solidarity brigade, composed of young people, worked in the fields of the eastern province of Ciego de Avila along with a contingent of Cuba's Union of Young Communists -- the UJC. The brigadistas presented Ciego de Avila's UJC with a modern discotheque, which can be enjoyed by young people from the area.

In related news, the Third Austria-Holguin solidarity group has donated more than two tons of medicines and hospital supplies. The Austrian solidarity group announced they will return to the eastern province of Holguin in March with new donations.

From: IGC News Desk Subject: IPS: CUBA: Protestan en Honduras por ley Helms-Burton Date: Sun, 24 Mar 1996 15:20:02 -0800 (PST)

Copyright 1996 InterPress Service, todos los derechos reservados.
Distribucion mundial especial para la Red APC.

*** 21-mar-96 ***

Titulo: CUBA: Protestan en Honduras por ley Helms-Burton

TEGUCIGALPA, 21 mar (IPS) Unas 400 personas protestaron hoy ante la embajada de Estados Unidos en Honduras por la aprobacion de la ley Helms-Burton, que endurece el embargo economico de Washington a la isla.

La marcha fue convocada por el Comite de Organizaciones Populares (CCOP) y el grupo de Mujeres por la Paz ''Visitacion Padilla'' en solidaridad con Cuba.

Juan Almendarez, coordinador del CCOP, dijo que la ley Helms- Burton ''solo demuestra una vez mas que a Estados Unidos no le importa la democracia en los pueblos, al condenar a morirse de hambre a los cubanos''.

''Sigue pues la politica intervencionista de esa nocion del norte contra los paises de America, y no podemos guardar silencio ante tanta injusticia. ?Donde estan los derechos humanos que proclama Estados Unidos?'', cuestiono.

En Honduras, la ley estadounidense podria afectar a un grupo de empresarios que hace seis anos iniciaron inversiones en la isla en palma africana.

El presidente Carlos Reina lamento la medida de Washington y abogo por una solucion pacifica al problema cubano al reiterar que son los habitantes de la isla quienes deben decidir el tipo de democracia que desean.

La protesta contra la ley Helms-Burton es la primera que se efectua en Tegucigalpa, donde organizaciones sociales solicitaron a la poblacion ayuda humanitaria para Cuba.

Tegucigalpa y La Habana suspendieron relaciones diplomaticas hace mas de tres decadas, pero desde los ultimos seis anos se experimenta un acercamiento que no ha sido bien visto por Estados Unidos. (FIN/IPS/tm/dg/ip/96)

Origen: Montevideo/CUBA/
---- [c] 1996, InterPress Third World News Agency (IPS) Todos los derechos reservados

Argentine solidarity-with-Cuba committees "Zona Norte" and "Pueblo a Pueblo"

To: Pastors For Peace
Rev. Lucius Walker

The Argentine solidarity-with-Cuba committees "Zona Norte" and " Pueblo a Pueblo", reach out to you with our best sentiments and admiration. We express our solidarity with you, friends of Cuba, who are in the fast for life in San Diego expressing your conscience and profound love for the Cuban people.

We emphatically repudiate the repressive attitude of the government of the U.S. and re-affirm once more our determination in the struggle against the blockade and for self-determination which is a struggle which we share with you and the American people.

Success! United we will win! Until the victory, always!

Ana M. Angione
Rosa Diner
Susana Lopez

Ire-Cuba: Sinn Fein Supports Pastors' "Fast for Life"

Date: 11 Apr 1996 15:49:54

From: NY Transfer News Collective
Subject: Ire-Cuba: Sinn Fein Supports Pastors' "Fast for Life"
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Irish Republican Information Service
Teach Daithi O Conaill, 223 Parnell Street, Dublin 1
Phone: +353-1-872 9747; FAX: 872 9757
From: saoirse@iol.ie (saoirse-irish freedom)
Date: April 10, 1996

Republican Sinn Fein Message Of Support To Us 'Fast For Life'

Republican Sinn Fein extended solidarity and a message of support to the five Fasters from the IFCO/Pastors for Peace in the US who entered the 50th day of their 'Fast for Life' on April 10.

Their fast began on February 21 after US Treasury agents seized a shipment of medical aid destined for Cuban churches for distribution to medical facilities throughout the island.

In the statement Republican Sinn Fein said: "We have previously called for an end to the US economic blockade of Cuba. We applaud the humanitarian efforts of the Pastors for Peace in bringing relief to the people of that island nation. Their fast for the release of the medical aid should be supported by right thinking people and organisations throughout the world. Fasting for justice has a long and honourable history in Ireland and in more recent times has been frequently used by Irish political prisoners to fight against repressive prison conditions imposed by the British Occupation forces in Ireland. From 1917 to 1981 22 Irish hunger strikers have lost their lives in this way. Let us all hope that this fast can be resolved at the earliest opportunity without any loss of life and that the medical aid can be delivered by it's donors to the people of Cuba.

"There is a custom . . . that if a man be wronged, or think that he is wronged, and starve upon anothers threshold till he die, the common people, for all time to come, will raise a heavy cry against that threshold, even though it be the King's." -- The King's Threshold, by WB Yeats.

The fasters moved to Washington DC on March 29 after having spent 33 days in San Diego, California where the aid was confiscated. At a Washington press conference organised by the Pastors for Peace on Friday, March 29 Rep Charles Ragel (New York) said: "Our Pastors have said they are prepared, in many cases, to risk their lives, just to get an intelligent response to the questions: 'Can we bring medicine to the sick?' 'Can we do this in our nations name without violating this cockamamie foreign policy?'"


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Ralph Goodale, Member of Parliment For Regina Wascana

Makes Promises To Regina Friends Of Cuba

Mon, 08 Apr 1996 10:01:48 -0600 (CST) From: grayda@Meena.CC.URegina.CA

On Saturday, April 6, 35 members and supporters of Regina Frineds of Cuba gathered at 5:00 a.m. at the home of Minister of Parliament, Mr. Ralph Goodale to silently protest the lack of action of the Canadian Government, specifically Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lloyd Axworthy, regarding the illegal seizure of twenty-six medical computers that were en route to Cuba as humanitarian aid.

Friends of Cuba member and Regina resident, Brian Rohatyn, is one of a group of file people entering their forty-seventh day of a "Fast for Life" to demand the release of the computers seized by American officials. Rohatyn's father, Brian Rands, also an active member of Regina Friends of Cuba, attended the early morning demostration. "We decided that something more had to be done. The fasters have devotd themselves to the cause and we've seen nothing to date from the Canadian Government by way of support."

The Regina Friends of Cuba had been attempting unseccussfully to reach Goodale in person for over ten days in order to obtain his public support for the fasters. Protesters were able to ascertain that Goodale was departing Saturday for a two week trade mission in Japan and quicly mobilized. Beth Clarke, one of the event organizers, stated, "by the time Goodale is back in Regina, it may be too late for Brian. We had to move promptly and get our message to our MP."

Eventually, Goodale spoke to a group representative at his front door and assured the protesters that government is paying close attention to the situation: "...there is no sympathy on the part of the Canadian Goverment for some extra-territorial conduct that he United States wrong-handedly engages in." Participants were satisfied with at least one committment from Goodale, "I will convey your concern to Mr. Axworthy and will ask him if it is possible for him or his department to indicate their position of support."

After Goodale was presented with a bottle of water and corn syrup, the fluids that the fasters are surviving on, participants dispersed, two and one half hours after they had arrived. We can only hope he comes trhough with his promises," stated Clarke, "we'll be paying close attention to him now."

Regina Friends of Cuba will continue to raise public awareness and support for the Fast for Life. The 5:00 a.m. demo and Goodale's promises were recorded on video tape. The tape will be sent to Canadian faster, Brian Rohatyn, in Washington, DC to assist with his meetings with the Canadian Embassy.

For more information, please contact Darlene Gray at 306-775-1848, Loretta Gerlach at 306-525-1419 or Brian Rands at 306-586-8805.

From: IGC News Desk Subject: IPS: CUBA: Former Allies Stick with Havana Date: Sat, 20 Apr 1996 14:36:52 -0700 (PDT) Copyright 1996 InterPress Service, all rights reserved. Worldwide distribution via the APC networks. *** 17-Apr-96 ***

"Former Allies Stick with Havana"

From: IGC News Desk 
Subject: IPS: CUBA: Former Allies Stick with Havana
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 1996 14:36:52 -0700 (PDT)

       Copyright 1996 InterPress Service, all rights reserved.
          Worldwide distribution via the APC networks.

                      *** 17-Apr-96 ***

By Dalia Acosta

HAVANA, Apr 17 (IPS) - Facing the Shakespearean dilemma of ''to be or not to be,'' Russia, China and Vietnam appear to have opted to maintain their longstanding interests in Cuba rather than join the United States in isolating the Caribbean nation.

But the so-called Helms-Burton bill in the United States will sooner rather than later force Cuba's former socialist camp allies to choose on continued strong links with Havana or the world's most powerful country.

The Helms-Burton bill became law on March 12 and seeks to sanction countries trading with Cuba and condition U.S. economic aid on their cutting ties to the island nation.

''Business people will have to choose between doing business with (Cuban President) Fidel Castro or with the United States,'' warned Dan Burton, Republican congressional representative and the bill's co-sponsor, while visiting Santiago, Chile, last week.

Parliamentary delegations from Russia and China and a high Vietnamese official, meanwhile, came to Havana this week to discuss a strengthening of bilateral relations with the Cuban government.

After several years of tension, relations between Cuba and the former European socialist countries (including Russia, principal successor to the defunct Soviet Union) took an upward turn in 1995.

Russia was not alone in moving toward a rapprochement. Ukraine and Hungary maintained good relations with Cuba and the Czech Republic renewed its bilateral energy cooperation programs with Cuba earlier this year.

The formerly socialist countries regard Cuba as an important market for their products and technologies and an ideal bridge for access to the Latin American and Caribbean region.

Vitali Ivanovich Sevastianov, president of the Russian parliament's mandates commission, led the Russian delegation that met with Castro this week, visited various sites of economic interest and toured the Cienfuegos nuclear power plant installation 336 kilometers from Havana.

The thaw in Russia's relations with Cuba gegan with the signing of eight bilateral agreements last November to exchange petroleum for sugar, to continue to assist construction of the Cienfuegos nuclear plant, and to retain its radio listening base at Lourdes, on the outskirts of Havana.

Local experts say that Moscow is particularly interested in keeping the Lourdes base as an important bargaining chip in its relations with the Washington.

But Russia is also interested in finding a third partner to help finish constructing and share in the future output of the Cienfuegos plant -- opposed both by the U.S. government and independent nuclear energy experts.

The Helms-Burton law requires the United States to reduce assistance to the republics of the former Soviet Union by the same measure as they assist the Cuban government, be it through trade, credits or economic aid.

The first chapter of the law titled ''Strengthening International Sanctions on the Cuban Government'' explicitly states that ''economic contributions to make the Cienfuegos nuclear installation operative or to any military intelligence installation such as that at Lourdes are included.''

Moscow's delegation to Havana this week coincided with Cuban Gen. Julio Casas Regueiro's working visit to Moscow representing the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces minister.

In addition to rejecting the Helms-Burton law, Moscow stood by Havana Tuesday by demanding that the United States stop allowing violations of Cuban airspace that came to a head in February. The Cuban air force's downing of two small airplanes belonging to the Miami-based anti-Castro opposition led U.S. President Bill Clinton to sign the Helms-Burton law sponsored by the most conservative sector of the Republican party, a measure Clinton had earlier opposed.

China and Vietnam, meanwhile, still raise a common socialist banner with Cuba and agreed to continue the contacts Castro initiated during his visit to the two Asian countries at the end of last year.

Local analysts say Castro was seeking to put an end to Cuba's ''ideological isolation'' following the demise of the island's political allies and rupturing of its trade relations during the first years of this decade.

China is Cuba's second-largest trading partner after Russia and has awakened the interest of the Cuban authorities who see the Asian giant as an example of the viability of undertaking an economic opening within the socialist system.

During his stayt in Havana, Chinese National Popular Assembly president Quiao Shi met Castro and declared that bilateral relations were entering ''a new stage of development.''

For his part, Vietnamese foreign trade minister Le Van Triet signed a bilateral ''agreement for trade and other forms of economic collaboration'' with Cuba that foresees a modest $30 million annual exchange until the year 2000.

Sources close to the Cuban foreign ministry pointed out that a rapprochement with Cuba is evident not only among the few countries that still call themselves socialist but also among those that formerly comprised the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon).

Although local analysts were intrigued by the ''coincidence'' of Cuba's former allies arriving together in the Caribbean, the delegations have so far limited their activities to those planned with their Cuban hosts.

Despite these renewed international ties, some observers are still pessimistic about Cuba's ability to break free from its economic isolation. ''The hour of truth will arrive when the Helms-Burton law takes effect,'' warned a specialist with the Center for the Study of the World Economy who said he feared that the scale will ultimately tip against Cuba. (END/IPS/cs)

Origin: Rome/CUBA/
                              ----

       [c] 1996, InterPress Third World News Agency (IPS)
                     All rights reserved

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  contact the IPS coordinator at .

A Message of Solidarity from Amigos De Cuba, Vacouver


Date sent: Tue, 23 Apr 1996 18:57:21 GMT

Dear Friends:

We would like to inform all of you that AMIGOS DE CUBA in Vancouver FULLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY supports Lucius, Lisa, Brian and Jim, and Fast for Life of Pastors for Peace. In particular, we feel privileged that Brian Rohatyn has been a "brigadista" in the last Canada-Cuba Volunteer Work Brigade that we organized. During those three weeks of solidarity work with the Cubans we got to know Brian as a mature, responsible and committed individual fully capable of understanding the difficulties that Cuba is confronting. His dedication to the solidarity work was examplary to all of us. His willingness to participate in the Fast for Life is consistent with the way we got to know Brian and we can only praise him for his action.

Brian, we are with you all the way and we are confident we will see you back soon to give us more inspiration in our solidarity work for Cuba. Take care of yourself!!

AMIGOS DE CUBA is working with other solidarity groups in Canada preparing a formal statement of public support. We will all have an opportunity to undersign the document.

In solidarity, 

AMIGOS DE CUBA
P.O. Box 21540
1850 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC V5N 4A0

Ph/FAX  (604) 254-0663
FAX     (604) 875-9821
email: pagli@chspr.ubc.ca

From:          Universidad Politecnica de Nicaragua 
Subject:       mensaje
To:            ifco@igc.apc.org
Date:          Mon, 22 Apr 96 14:45:06 CST

April, 1996
To: Rev. Lucius Walker, IFCO, FAST FOR LIFE
From: Rev. Tomas H. Tellez, UPOLI, Ad-Hoc Committe for FAST FOR LIFE

Dear Lou:

   I just came from a Press Conference that an ad-hoc committee we have formed carried out
few minutes ago. We did this in solidarity with you people and the just cause you are promoting,
in view of the almost inexistent coverage our Nicaraguan news have given to your fast. The
conference was succesful and we expect news about that starting today noon on TV. A local
radio station broadcasted live from the Provadenic Training Center where we operated. Gary
Campbell and I have promoted this and we have support of all the signing leaders.

   We are with you people and praying on your behalf. We admire your Christian commitment
and struggle in favor of the causes of the Kingdom. Long life to Lou, Lisa, Jim and Brian! God
is with you!

   Love you in Christ,     Tomas

   I am enclosing a copy of the News Release we read.

                      COMITE AD-HOC PRO AYUNANTES DEL
                             AYUNO POR LA VIDA

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA

El Comite Ad-hoc pro Ayunantes del AYUNO POR LA VIDA, integrado por pastores y lideres
evangelicos de Nicaragua, da a conocer a los distinguidos periodistas y opinion publica en
general el valiente y sacrificial AYUNO POR LA VIDA que 4 pastores de la Organizacion
PASTORES POR LA PAZ, de Nueva York, E. U., estan llevando a cabo desde el pasado 20
de Febrero, 1996.

   Son cuatro personas desfallecientes que se yerguen ante el Departamento del Tesoro de los
Estados Unidos, en su afan de ayudar al pueblo cubano a sobrellevar la aguda crisis planteada
por el Embargo. Sentados en una tienda mojada por el frio y las inclemencias del tiempo, frente
al Capitolio en Washington, DC, esperan presionar al Gobierno para que les devuelva 325
computadoras usadas y otros equipos medicos valorados en mas de US$250,000 que les fueron
decomisados en la frontera Mejico-E.U. cuando se dirigian hacia Cuba.

   El  Rev. Lucius Walker, de 65 anos, es el lider de los ayunantes. Presidente de la Fundacion
Inter-religiosa para la Organizacion Comunitaria, pastor de la Iglesia Bautista "Salvacion", de
Brooklyn, Nueva York, y Director de PASTORES POR LA PAZ, institucion que organiza
caravanas de buena voluntad en favor de sectores de escasos recursos en paises pobres afectados
por la politica de los Estados Unidos. "El Gobierno movilizo sus fuerzas como si fueran hacia
la guerra cuando los pastores tratamos de atravesar la frontera cerca de San Diego", dice
Walker. 

   Lisa Valenti, 47 anos, de Pittsburgh, dice: "Es un error que los Estados Unidos traten de
rendir a los cubanos por hambre". Ha perdido 23 libras. Pertenece a los Republicanos y voto
por Clinton en 1992.

   Sentado en una silla de ruedas esta Jim Clifford, 37 anos, graduado de la Academia de la
Fuerza Aerea y ex-capitan de la Fuerza Aerea de los E. U.. Es un sicologo en Louisville,
Kentucky. "Estoy dispuesto a arriesgarme con mis serios problemas de salud aun hasta la muerte
si fuera necesario para resolver este asunto", dice Clifford.

   Brian Rohatyn, 27 anos, un ciudadano canadiense y aprendiz de impresor, supo de la realidad
cubana a traves de cubanos llegados a Saskatchewan. Iba con las computadoras cuando fueron
decomisadas en San Diego. Cuando el ayuno se movio a Washington se unio. "Todo aquello por
lo que vale la pena vivir, tambien vale la pena morir", expreso.

   Mary McGrory, del Washington Post, escribio en su periodico el 11 de Abril 1996: "...Los
ayunantes tienen la esperanza de que la autoridad moral de su ayuno motivara a las personas
necesarias en una ciudad donde la conviccion es rara. Despues de todo, aun Ronald Reagan, con
todo y lo olvidadizo que era, se desconcerto cuando Mitch Snyder ayuno contra el y se debilito
hasta niveles de peligro. Entonces envio un negociador. Es un buen ejemplo para Bill Clinton".

   Muchas iglesias en los Estados Unidos estan apoyando el Ayuno por la Vida. La Junta
General de Iglesia y Sociedad de la Iglesia Metodista Unida esta proveyendo espacio de oficina.
Tambien estan la Iglesia Unida de Canada, la Junta de Ministerios Nacionales de las Iglesias
Bautistas Americanas, la Convencion Bautista Progresista Nacional y muchas otras.

   Tambien hay gran apoyo del PRD (Partido Democratico Revolucionario) de Mejico, el
Alcalde de Pasadena, la escritora Alice Walker, el cineasta Sidney Pollack, varios miembros
parlamentarios de Canada, el Ex-Presidente nicaraguense Daniel Ortega, Dennis Rivera del
Sindicato de Empleados Salud Nacional y Servicios Humanos, y el AFL-CIO, de San Francisco.

    Aun en medio de la histeria provocada en Washington por el derribamiento de 2 aviones
Cessna por la Fuerza Aerea de Cuba, un grupo de diversos Representantes, Senadores, lideres
religiosos y activistas de solidaridad se han unido para apoyar el AYUNO POR LA VIDA. 

   Internacionalmente el Ayuno ha inspirado apoyo de base y tambien gubernamental. Como una
respuesta directa al confiscamiento de los E. U. de la ayuda, y al AYUNO POR LA VIDA, mas
de 1000 computadoras han sido donadas a Cuba por organismos no gubernamentales de Europa.
Miembros del Parlamento canadiense trajeron a colacion el embargo en la agenda de su
Parlamento. El PRD circulo una carta de apoyo dentro el gobierno mejicano.

   A 56 dmas del ayuno la salud de los participantes es causa de mucha preocupacion. Una quinta
ayunante, Seya Sangari, fue obligada a abandonar el ayuno la semana pasada despues de haber
sido confinada a silla de ruedas, incapaz de caminar.

   Lucius, Lisa, Brian y Jim desean que todos entiendan su determinacion a continuar el ayuno.
"A pesar de que entendemos la preocupacion de quienes nos apoyan alrededor del mundo,
esperamos que todos esten invirtiendo 10 veces mas energia en contra del embargo, de la que
invierten en preocuparse por nosotros", dice Jim Clifford.

  El Rev. Lucius Walker dijo: "Cuando los trabajadores se ponen en huelga, no les pedimos que
regresen a trabajar. Le decimos a la gerencia que negocie con buena fe. Ninguna lucha es facil
y las luchas significativas no estan exentas de riesgos. Este ayuno no esta exento de riesgos, pero
los asuntos planteados son fundamentales. Por favor confien en lo que estamos haciendo y usen
este ayuno para ayudar a poner fin al embargo".  Finalmente solicita se dirijan cartas y llamadas
telfonicas al Presidente Clinton al Tel. 202-456-1111, Fax 202-456-2461, a Senadores y
Representantes para presionar al Departamento de Estado y del Tesoro a resolver el ayuno,
devolver las computadoras y finalizar el embargo a Cuba.

   Uno de los mas importantes recientes logros del Ayuno es la apertura de negociaciones la
semana pasada, debido en alto grado a la presion de miles de llamadas telefonicas, centenares
de cartas de apoyo de todo Estados Unidos y el mundo, y el apoyo de decenas de miembros del
Congreso de E. U.  


    Un grupo de destacados lideres eclesiasticos de los E. U. ha dirigido una carta reciente al
Presidente Clinton, en la cual le dicen: "Sea cual sea la politica de los E. U. en su relacion con
Cuba, las restricciones en el flujo de ayuda alimentaria y medica viola las convenciones
internacionales y los preceptos de los organismos religiosos a los que representamos. Una nacion
tan poderosa como la nuestra puede facilmente permitirse el ser generosa con respecto a este
equipo, desfasado para nosotros, que sera dedicado evidentemente a fines humanitarios. Nos
preocupa la salud de los ayunantes, asm como nos preocupa la salud del pueblo cubano, muchos
de ellos miembros de nuestras denominaciones y que han sufrido innecesariamente bajo una
politica que les niega incontables necesidades de la vida diaria."

  El Comite Adhoc de Nicaragua, integrado temporalmente por lideres religiosos preocupados
por los asuntos de Justicia y Paz, decidio convocar a esta Conferencia de Prensa ante la poca
informacion dada a conocer en Nicaragua sobre este valeroso Ayuno, el riesgo que ya pende
sobre las vidas de estos pastores ayunantes. 

   Asimismo,  considerando la necesidad de valorar y apoyar una lucha que creemos justa y en
favor de los derechos de los mas dibiles y pobres (San Mateo 25:40):

   1. Nos pronunciamos a favor y en solidaridad con los ayunantes y a favor del derecho del
pueblo cubano a la sobrevivencia y a la autodeterminacion, tal como lo contemplan los convenios
y el derecho internacional. 

   2. Hacemos un llamado al Gobierno de los Estados Unidos a emprender negociacion con los
ayunantes, tendiente a la devolucion de las computadoras y su envio al servicio del pueblo
cubano. Asimismo, a suspender el ilegal embargo que viola principios cristianos y humanos
elementales. 

   3. Hacemos un llamado al gobierno y pueblo de Nicaragua a sumarse a esta iniciativa y
emprender acciones que fomenten el dialogo entre las partes en conflicto y el bienestar y
convivencia pacifica de ambos pueblos, basados en la justicia, segun la voluntad de nuestro
Dios. (Isaias 32:17).
. 
Managua, Abril 22 de 1996

Dr. Gustavo A. Parajon D., Presidente del CEPAD
Prof. Gilberto Aguirre E., Director Ejecutivo CEPAD
Rev. Benjammn Cortes, Director Centro Inter-eclesial de Estudios Pastorales, CIEETS
Padre Uriel Molina U., Director Centro Antonio Valdivieso
Rev. Norman Bent, Iglesia Morava de Nicaragua
Rev. Victoria Cortes, Iglesia Luterana de Nicaragua
Rev. Tomas H. Tellez, Universidad Politecnica de Nicaragua, UPOLI
Rev. Mendelsson Davila, Iglesia Mision Cristiana de Nicaragua
Dr. Jorge Pixley, Profesor del Seminario Teologico Bautista 
  - Rev. Gary Campbell, (Iglesia Presbiteriana de los E. U.)
  - Rev. Kenet

Solidarity Message for Hunger Strikers

From Philip Agee

April 12, 1996

Through Peacenet I have followed your efforts to deliver the computers to Cuba and your hunger strike. Here in Germany efforts are underway to obtain donations of computers to complement those that the U.S. government impounded.

From the start I identified with you, and I send this message of solidarity as one more expression of support. No matter how this confrontation ends, you have already won one battle by focusing world attention once again on the absurd and cruel U.S. blockade of Cuba.

You are an unforgetable inspiration to all who uphold the right of the Cuban people to self-determination and independence. All involved with Pastors for Peace, and you especially, demonstrate that moral and political principles can be sustained even during this shameful chapter in U.S. history. You have the admiration and support of millions, and I for one am proud that you are Americans.

Philip Agee,
Hamburg, Germany

Editor's note: Philip Agee is the author of Inside the CIA, which chronicled his experiences as a CIA officer in Latin America 

From:             M.PARRONDO@LINK-F.RHEIN-MAIN.DE (Manuel Parrondo)
Subject:          Frankfurt Main / Germany
Date sent:        Fri, 22 Mar 1996 17:08:00 +0100

Protestaktion vor dem US-Konsulat
             (Siesmayerstr.)
    Samstag, den 30.3.1996 ab 11 Uhr Infostand
    Kundgebung  15 Uhr

            "Fasten fuer das Leben"

Seit dem 31. Januar 1996, vor dem
Luftzwischenfall,  wird die VI.
Freundschaftskarawane der US-amerikanischen
interreligiösen Solidaritätsorganisation
"Pastors for Peace" an der Grenze El Paso -San
Diego zwischen Kalifornien (USA) und Mexiko von
den US-Behörden widerrechtlich festgehalten.
Die Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer dieser
Karawane, die medizinische und weitere
humanitäre Hilfsgüter für ein UN-Projekt und
für die unter der US-Blockade leidende
kubanische Bevölkerung mit sich führt, wurden
brutal misshandelt und schikaniert.

Seither befinden sich 5 Aktivisten im
Hungerstreik, um gegen die brutalen Übergriffe
zu protestieren und die freie Durchfahrt nach
Mexiko zum Weitertransport der Spenden nach
Kuba zu erzwingen.

2 Wochen später erfolgte der Abschuß zweier
Luftpiraten-Flugzeuge über kubanisches Ho
heitsgebiet nach mehrmaligen Warnungen seitens
der zuständigen kubanischen Behörden, in
Einvernehmen mit dem internationalen Recht, in
Sicherung der nationalen SouveränitSt Kubas und
zum Schutz der kubanischen Bevölkerung.

Diese Provokation einiger Exilkubaner aus
Miami, mit Duldung der USA, haben zur Durch
setzung des Helms/Burton Gesetz geführt, dass
die Blockade Kubas durch die USA extrem
verschärft. Auch wenn dieses Gesetz die
Beschlüsse der UN-Vollversammlung verhöhnt..
Damit haben die USA wieder ein Mal zum Ausdruck
gebracht, was sie vom Internationalen Recht,
dem Recht auf freien Handel und andere Gesetze
halten. Nämlich nichts, wenn es darum geht, im
eigenen Land einige Wählerstimmen zu gewinnen.

Wir fordern die US-Regierung auf:

    Schluss mit der völkerrechtswidrigen
Blockade Kubas

    Freigabe der Hilfssendung der Pastors for
Peace


    Protestaktion vor dem US-Konsulat
             (Siesmayerstr.)
    Samstag, den 30.3.1996 ab 11 Uhr Infostand
    Kundgebung  15 Uhr

Rev. Tomas H. Tellez
Director of International Relations
Baptist Polytechnic University of Nicaragua

Mr. ANTONY LAKE
NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR
FAX (202) 456 2883
WASHINGTON, DC

Dear Mr. Lake:

It is already a world concern the worsening state of health of the four fasters of the FAST FOR LIFE headed by Rev. Lucius Walker, a man of God, a man of faith, a man of unbeatible Christian values.

PLEASE DON'T WAIT THEM TO DIE! NEGOTIATE! NEGOTIATE! THEY ARE STRUGGLING FOR A JUST CAUSE AND YOU, AS CHRISTIANS YOURSELVES, KNOW IT VERY WELL.

PLEASE LISTEN THIS WORLD CRY!

Sincerely yours,

Rev. Tomas H. Tellez
Director of International Relations
Baptist Polytechnic University of Nicaragua
Universidad Politecnica de Nicaragua upoli@Uni.Rain.NI
Managua, Nicaragua, Central America, May 3rd, 1996

Cuba Solidarity Groups Meet In Mexico To Promote Internationalism

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico January 11, 1997

The Cuban-American National Alliance (CANA) and Cuba support groups in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico held a meeting to expand the work of Cuba solidarity. The participants forged a comprehensive plan of mutual assistance and cooperation that included communications with the use of the internet, regional meetings and forums on topics of mutual interest to Mexicans, North Americans and Cubans living in Mexico and the U.S.

Persons representing a coalition of Cuba solidarity organizations in Juarez, named Children are the Hope of the World (a quote of Jose Marti), pledged to work with numerous organizations in support of Latin-American countries that, like Cuba, wage a daily struggle against U.S. domination.

Luis Martin, representing CANA, opened the meeting by calling for a change on Cuba solidarity work based on common afflictions confronting workers and the poor throughout the Americas. "Some have thought it opportune to neglect solidarity work because economic conditions have improved in Cuba or because President Clinton did not fulfill predictions of ending the blockade of Cuba", said Martin. "Mere humanitarian assistance or support for the politically dubious opponents of the blockade have never been exclusive expressions of solidarity. What universally binds us in our support for Cuba is that her struggle for the noblest principles and just causes is also the struggle of our Americas and the oppressed worlwide. It is on this level that the work of Cuban solidarity must now be carried out. As Jose Marti once said to the Cuban tobacco workers of Tampa, you are the `New Pines' of a movement for liberation based on social justice".

Alberto Dominguez, speaking for the Juarez coalition, called for the vertebration of the movement to include progressive regional organizations that combat neoliberalism, narcotraffic and imperialism. He added that all groups must be united on common points of agreement. Luis Martinez followed by calling for the exposure of the abuses committed by U.S. corporations on border towns such as Juarez. Others called for uniting with Haitian exiles in Mexico who oppose neoliberalism in their homeland.

On a motion by Alberto Dominguez, the assembly unanimously approved the following resolutions:

  • To uphold the ideas of Ernesto "Che" Guevara and commemorate his death in 1997.
  • To name a colonia in Juarez after Jose Marti.
  • Promote the distribution of Cuban videos and "Granma".
  • Promote political solidarity and support to Cuba by means of conferences on topics of mutual interest.
  • Hold a regional conference within one month on The Helms-Burton law and the Cuban antidote law.
  • Invite speakers from Cuba to address subsequent regional conferences in Ciudad Juarez.
  • Expose the lies in American history textbooks regarding relations between the U.S. and its neighbors.

Cuban-American National Alliance P.O. Box 293 Carlsbad, NM 88221-0293 (505) 885-0637

See also Worker to Worker / Canada-Cuba Labour Solidarity
http://www.well.com/user/ari/w2w/


Cuba Solidarity Homepage
Project USA/Cuba InfoMed