Unity to strengthen ALBA - from Granma Int'l, official voice of the Communist Party of Cuba

Unity to strengthen ALBA
Leaders from ALBA member countries reiterate commitment to regional integration and solidarity
Author: GI news staff | informacion@granma.cu
march 7, 2017 10:03:16

ALBA IS THE FOUNDATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW AMERICA: PRESIDENT OF VENEZUELA NICOLÁS MADURO

Alba is the foundation for the construction of a new America, which is why we must tend and value it, stated Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, March 5, upon inaugurating the 14th ALBA Extraordinary Summit in honor of Bolivarian leader Hugo Chávez, on the fourth anniversary of his passing.

Maduro recalled that the regional organization was born at a historic moment at the beginning of the 21st century, as a space to coordinate strategies in defense of progressive movements worldwide.

Alba emerged at a time when it seemed impossible, seemingly a dream of two greats that were Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, he stated.

Later the Venezuelan leader noted that the bloc is the result of the convergence of progressive political forces in the region and has proven that it is possible to place human beings at the center of our complex power structures.

“The decade of the 90s could be called the decade of social disaster across the entire continent,” he stated, going on to note that ALBA also gave way to Petrocaribe, an extraordinary and revolutionary project, stated Maduro.

Regarding late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, he noted that he was the child of Bolívar's ideas, and described his passing on March 5, 2013, as a devastating blow for the country.

Chávez must however be remembered with joy, fighting for happiness, with a an embrace of solidarity. If Chávez represented anything it was boundless joy and optimism, said Maduro.

He continued by noting that on March 5 four years ago, the right wing believed that the time to destabilize the Bolivarian Revolution had arrived.

Four years after his death, and the Bolivarian Revolution of a triumphant Chávez is still here and looking toward recovery; these are new times with new challenges, stated the Venezuelan President. He went on to explain that people around the world continue to love and defend Chávez, as well as Comandante Fidel Castro, whose ashes rest in a tomb in Santiago de Cuba, added Maduro.

With these two greats we will continue to face any situation. After almost 60 years of Revolution, it has cost heroic Cuba a great deal; cost the country a great deal to have an educated and conscious people. Here stands Cuba, undefeated and intact, making its way along its own path, he stated.

I can imagine Chávez saying to Fidel: We are not plowing the sea. We continue to reap the fruits of the good harvest planted by two great presidents, stated Maduro.

WE ARE FIDELISTAS AND CHAVISTAS: PRESIDENT OF BOLIVIA EVO MORALES

March 5 is a day to remember forever, as four years ago we cried and suffered, after hearing the news of the death of Hugo Chávez, Evo Morales recalled.

However, four years later, March 5 is a day of “strengthening and reflection.” The best tribute we can pay to our brother Chávez, who taught us to stand up against imperialism, is unity, stated the Bolivian leader. “Latin America is anti-capitalist. We are Fidelistas and Chavistas.”

It is very important to defend basic services such as human rights, which is why we must oppose privatization, stated Morales.

The Andean leader then called to continue expanding ALBA-TCP, which has proved to be the “axis of hope” on our continent, as opposed to the “axis of evil” as some initially described it.

He also mentioned the situation in various capitalist countries where migrants are being attacked. “There are walls for immigrants, but there are no walls against military bases and interventions,” highlighted Morales.

“The people of the world will organize to speak out against these types of policies,” he noted.

At another moment during his speech, the Bolivian President recalled Cuba’s role in supporting revolutions in the region. “These changes we are seeing in Latin America are thanks to Cuba, thus I say: Thank you Raúl, thank you Fidel, we will always remember you.”

Four years after the death of Chávez, I must say that unity is the best and most important guarantee to continue the battle and the struggle.

CHAMPIONS IN REDUCING POVERTY: ECUADORAN FOREIGN MINISTER GUILLAUME LONG

We encountered Chávez in the late 1990s. It would have been extremely difficult for the people of the region to carry out the liberation processes currently unfolding across the continent, if it weren’t for the path he charted, stated Ecuador’s Foreign Minister.

We are the vanguard of the struggle against injustice on the continent, even though we are one of the most unequal regions on the planet, he noted.

ALBA member states have been champions in reducing poverty and we must continue fighting for true democracy which guarantees freedom for all, he stated.

Guillaume Long noted that his country has experienced two difficult years given economic troubles and the impact of severe natural events, but is on the road to recovery as all indicators show.

In this sense the Ecuadoran Foreign Minister explained the current situation regarding the country’s Presidential elections, noting that a dirty campaign to discredit President Rafael Correa is been waged by media outlets responding to the interests of the national oligarchy.

Ecuador has held democratic elections and after 10 years of government this is a very important achievement for us: electoral democracy is sacred.

WE CONTINUE TO BE COMMITTED TO INTEGRATION: PRIME MINISTER OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES RALPH GONSALVES

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves repeated the call for unity among all peoples and nations which make up the Bolivarian Alliance for the People’s of Our America (ALBA), noting that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains firm in its commitment to the integration process.

He also emphasized the importance and reiterated his country’s support of the Summit’s final declaration which establishes the strengthening of the ALBA Bank and fund supporting migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean.

During his remarks, Gonsalves paid tribute to Comandante Hugo Chávez, recalling the leader’s efforts to strengthen Latin American and Caribbean unity.

THE CHALLENGES OF THESE TIMES DEMAND UNITY: PRIME MINISTER OF SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS TIMOTHY HARRIS

This has been a very productive meeting, where various issues regarding ways to improve the lives of our peoples have been discussed, noted the Caribbean leader.

There are, without a doubt, opportunities to strengthen cooperation and collaboration within ALBA, which is why we must have efficient transport systems to make our economies more independent and solid, he stated.

Harris also noted the importance of Bolívar’s vision and the efforts of his disciple Chávez, while reaffirming his country’s commitment to supporting ALBA and Petrocaribe.

We offer our support to the government of Venezuela, and Cuba knows that it has many friends in Caricom (the Caribbean community market), and we have always had excellent relations with the people and government of Cuba. Cuba always goes above and beyond the call of duty, stated Prime Minister Harris.

The challenges of these times demand unity, but this unity must be cemented in the region, he concluded.

ALBA IS A SOLIDARITY PROJECT: HEAD OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA’S DELEGATION NICHOLAS MELFORD

The Caribbean representative noted that the question of cultural exchanges was among issues discussed during the Summit. He highlighted that now is an important moment in this regard, given that a large part of the history of Latin America has been presented through the lenses of U.S. corporate media.

Thus he called for the role of teleSUR English to be strengthened in order to reach English speaking Caribbean nations.

He went on to note that he had the opportunity to have his photograph taken with one of his personal heroes, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, and commented that he was proud to participate in the same meeting as Cuban President Raúl Castro.

The principles of ALBA are important in moments of crisis. We must be proud that our leaders have sought to create a project that works in solidarity with the most humble.

ALBA - A KEY PIECE TO INTEGRATION: HEAD OF GRENADA’S DELEGATION OLIVER JOSEPH

ALBA has been a key piece to integration, stated Grenada’s representative, who also recalled that the bloc’s 14th Summit was held on the fourth anniversary of the death of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez. “This is a tribute to him and to Fidel Castro.”

The principles of ALBA are enduring and the policies which led to its creation are also shared by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). I would like to applaud ALBA’s various cooperation initiatives with international organizations to reduce poverty in the region, he said, and highlighted the important role played by Petrocaribe in this regard.

ALBA is a mechanism which contributes to improving the quality of life of our peoples. We are happy that it is focused on social and human issues, stated Joseph, adding that “Grenada considers Cuba and Venezuela to be great friends.”

POLITICAL WILL IS NECESSARY: SPECIAL ENVOY SENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF SURINAME, WINSTON LACKIN

Lackin expressed his full support for the Declaration and thanked Venezuela for its assistance offered through Petrocaribe. Regarding the private meeting held prior to the Summit, the regional representative noted that a lack of political will on the part of governments can create obstacles to establishing cooperation projects.

He also noted that although all regional integration mechanisms are working toward this end, a lack of political will presents a threat to such initiatives.

ALBA’S LEADERSHIP IS EXEMPLARY: HEAD OF DOMINICA’S DELEGATION REGINALD AUSTRID

Austrid recalled that many forces wanted to destroy ALBA and Petrocaribe, and thanked Venezuela and Cuba for their support after Hurricane Erika hit the region, two years ago.

We are aware of the challenges facing Venezuela and all ALBA and Petrocaribe member states, but their leadership has been exemplary in these circumstances.

WE HAVE NOT GIVEN UP: PRESIDENT OF NICARAGUA DANIEL ORTEGA

Both Chávez and Fidel are the eternal Comandantes of Latin America. We can tell both of them that we have not given up, stated Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.

These are times of crisis for the tyrannical model that has been imposed as part of neoliberal globalization, which seemed to be unstoppable and untouchable; and has now entered into crisis, Ortega noted.

The crisis is being caused by this very same model, which is why now is the time to create and grow, to continue strengthening the path being charted by ALBA and Petrocaribe, he said.

We do not oppose the market, but we must establish a fair market and trade mechanisms with a social commitment to our people.

We are not the ones erecting walls. These are times for Latin American and Caribbean integration, times to strengthen exchanges between our peoples, he stated, later praising the many achievements of the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel and Raúl.

Also participating in the 14th Alba summit were representatives of social movements who presented a statement of support.

PolEco: News from Granma International on Hugo Chavez' Death (Cuban Daily)

Granma International On line
TEXT ONLY

Havana, Cuba. Year 16 - Friday, March 8, 2013

---

Raúl in Chávez’ homeland
• Before leaving for Venezuela the Cuban President gave a statement to the Cuban press

Leticia Martínez Hernández & Yaima Puig Meneses

CARACAS, Venezuela.—President Raúl Castro Ruz arrived here at 2:00 pm, March 7 to give his last farewell to Comandante Hugo Chávez Frías, brother in struggle, the man of vast stature who Cuba accepted like a son.

The Cuban President, visibly moved, was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Elías Jaua.

Also present at Simón Bolívar Airport were Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and the Cuban ambassador to Venezuela, Rogelio Polanco.

At the end of the afternoon, the Cuban President arrived at the Military Academy where the casket containing the remains of Comandante Chávez has been placed. He greeted Chávez’ family members and, in particular, embraced and consoled Elena Frías, his mother. He then approached the casket and made a military salute, loudly applauded.

Today, Raúl is participating, in the name of all Cubans, in state funeral honors for the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, who lived to struggle and will continue leading all the coming battles.

CHÁVEZ HAS ENTERED INTO HISTORY

Chávez has left, undefeated, victorious, and invincible, stated President Raúl Castro in Santiago de Cuba, shortly before leaving for Venezuela.

Commenting on his emotions upon arriving at Antonio Maceo Plaza de la Revolución with Communist Party and government leaders in the province, he highlighted the sadness among the people. "Listening to comments from men and women here, it was perceptible that everyone was feeling these same sentiments."

He recalled his initial memories, related to December 2007, when the streets of Santiago de Cuba were filled with people cheering Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. "Then, the people were brimming with affection and joy, in contrast with the sadness that can be observed today, and with images of the early hours of the morning in the capital, and other provincial capitals, which I saw briefly on television."

"And that is not just taking place in our country, we saw the same situation in Caracas, during the enormous march accompanying Chávez’ remains to the Military Academy in Tiuna Fort. But the people of Caracas were also combative, chanting maxims, and even songs of revolutionary steadfastness. This is logical because of what Chávez represented.

"We could spend hours, even days, talking about Chávez, and that is doubtless how it will be in the future," Raúl affirmed.

Referring to the legacy the Bolivarian leader left to our peoples, the Cuban President emphasized the importance of not receding in all the advances made with Chávez’ influence in these recent years. "It is vital to continue fighting for the unity of the Cuban and Venezuelan people, but also that of all the Latin American and Caribbean peoples."

As an emotional seal to his historic words, Raúl affirmed, "Chávez has entered through the great door of history and nobody can close that door, nor forget what has happened. The Venezuelan people know how to defend their achievements, and we, as we always have been, will be together with them, our knees on the earth."

......................................................................................................................................................................................

Cubans honor Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías

THE Cuban people are paying heartfelt and patriotic tribute today to Venezuelan President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías, in the midst of their pain and grief at the death of the much loved leader of the Bolivarian Revolution.

The tribute is taking place at the José Martí Memorial in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución, from 8:00am to 8:00pm, while Cubans resident outside of the capital are honoring the unforgettable Comandante in the country’s provincial capitals and on the Isle of Youth.

......................................................................................................................................................................................
Statement from the Revolutionary government
HASTA siempre, Comandante

With deep and lacerating pain, our people and the Revolutionary government learned of the death of President Hugo Rafael Chávez Frías and are preparing to pay him a heartfelt and patriotic tribute on his entry into history as an independence leader of Our America.

We offer our sincere condolences to his parents, brothers, daughters and son and all his family members, who are already ours, just as Chávez is also a son of Cuba, of Latin America and the Caribbean, and of the world.

In this moment of profound sadness, we share the closet sentiments of solidarity with the sister Venezuelan people, who we will accompany in all circumstances.

The Bolivarian Revolution will have our resolute and unrestricted support during these difficult days.

We reiterate our support, encouragement and faith in victory to our compañeros in the Bolivarian political-military leadership and the Venezuelan government.

President Chávez has led an extraordinary battle throughout his youthful and fertile life. We will always remember him as a patriotic soldier in the service of Venezuela and the Patria Grande [Greater Homeland]; as an honest, lucid, daring and courageous revolutionary fighter; as a leader and supreme comandante who reincarnated Bolívar in order to do what Bolívar was unable to complete; founder of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States.

His heroic and indefatigable fight against death is an unsurpassable example of fortitude. The admirable commitment of his doctors and nurses has been a feat of humanism and dedication.

The President’s return to the Venezuelan homeland, which he loved so much, changed history. "We have a homeland," Chávez exclaimed with emotion last December 8, and he returned there to confront the greatest risks imposed by his illness. Nothing and nobody can seize the restored homeland from the Venezuelan people.

All of Chávez’ work appears undefeated before us. The attainments of the revolutionary people who saved him from the coup in April 2002 and have unhesitatingly followed him, are now irreversible.

The Cuban people feel him as one of their most outstanding sons and have admired him, followed him and loved him as their own. Chávez is also Cuban! He experienced as his own our difficulties and problems and did as much as he could, with extraordinary generosity, especially in the hardest years of the Special Period. He accompanied Fidel as a true son and his friendship with Raúl was extremely close.

He excelled in international battles in the face of imperialism, always in defense of the poor, of the workers, of our peoples. Impassioned, persuasive, eloquent, ingenious and moving, he spoke from the hearts of the peoples, sang of our joys, and declaimed our impassioned poems with perennial optimism.

The tens of thousands of Cubans working in Venezuela will honor him with their impassioned fulfillment of revolutionary internationalism and will continue accompanying the epic feat of the Bolivarian people with honor and altruism.

Cuba will sustain eternal loyalty to the memory and legacy of Comandante President Chávez and will resolutely continue his ideals of the unity of the revolutionary forces and of the integration and independence of Our America.

His example will lead us in coming battles.

¡Hasta la victoria siempre!

......................................................................................................................................................................................
Death of President Hugo Chávez

CARACAS, March 5 (AVN).—Hugo Rafael Chávez, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, died in the hours of this Tuesday afternoon. The announcement was made by Vice President Nicolás Maduro.
Maduro called on the Venezuelan people to confront the lamentable death of the President of the Republic “with much strength, courage and integrity.”
“We have to be more united than ever, the greatest discipline, the greatest collaboration, the greatest brotherhood and sisterhood. We are going to grow, we are going to be the worthy sons and daughters of the giant of a man that he was and how Comandante Hugo Chávez will always be in our memory. The victory of today is the unity of the people and peace,” Maduro affirmed on national radio and television.
The Vice President stated that a special deployment of the entire Bolivarian National Armed Forces is to be activated in order to guarantee peace, together with the Venezuelan people. “Respect and peace have to go hand in hand in the immense pain of this historic tragedy which has today touched our country,” he added.
Maduro urged Venezuelans to gather outside the Caracas Military Hospital and Bolívar plazas in every town in the country to chant songs in tribute to Hugo Chávez Frías.
“Let us take cantos of tribute, of honor, the song of Ali Primera: ‘Those who die for life cannot be called dead,’” Maduro stated in a communiqué broadcast on the national network shortly after 5:00pm.
The Vice President asked opponents of the Bolivarian Revolution to respect this difficult moment. “To those factors who never supported him: respect the pain of the people, and we call you to peace, as Venezuelan men and women.”
Maduro also called for fortitude and prayer. “From this moment on, it is forbidden to weep. With Ali’s song and the spirit of Hugo Chávez let us raise the greatest forces of this homeland to confront the difficulties it befalls us to confront. Our people can be assured that they have a government of men and women committed to protect them,” he affirmed.
Maduro was accompanied by Foreign Minister Elías Jaua, Attorney General of the Republic Cilia Flores, Communication and Information Minister Ernesto Villegas, Science and Technology Minister Jorge Arreaza, and high-ranking military officers.
“It is a moment to think about our families, our country (…) We say, respect, respect,” he added from the Military Hospital. “Much fortitude and prayer,” Maduro affirmed, visibly stricken.
The Vice President emphasized that plans for posthumous tributes to the Venezuelan leader will be announced in the next few hours, including the place where he will be laid in state and the programming until he is finally laid to rest.
 “Honor and glory to Hugo Chávez. May he live for ever.” (AVN)

......................................................................................................................................................................................

General state of  Venezuelan President delicate

CARACAS (PL).—The general state of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez remains delicate, with a worsening of his respiratory functions, Communications and Information Minister Ernesto Villegas affirmed March 4.

Speaking on national radio and television from the Dr. Carlos Arvelo Military Hospital, and acting on the instructions of Vice President Nicolás Maduro, Villegas read a communiqué on the President’s health.

Prensa Latina reproduces the complete text of the communiqué below:

The Bolivarian government informs the people of Venezuela and other sister peoples on the evolution of the health of President Hugo Chávez.

Two weeks have passed since the Comandante President returned of his own accord to the Venezuelan homeland after undergoing surgery in Havana, Cuba, last December 11.

Today, there has been a worsening of his respiratory function related to the immune-depressed state typical of his clinical situation. He is currently presenting a new and severe infection.

The President has been receiving heavy-impact chemotherapy, among other complementary treatments with adjustments derived from the evolution of his clinical condition. His general state remains very delicate.

Our Comandante President remains firmly attached to Christ and life, aware of the difficulties he is confronting and strictly fulfilling the program designed by his medical team.

The Bolivarian government continues accompanying the children and other family members of the Comandante President in this battle of love and spirituality, and calls on all our people to remain on a war footing, unscathed by the psychological warfare unleashed by foreign laboratories with spokespersons on the corrupt Venezuelan right, aimed at generating scenarios of violence as the pretext for foreign intervention in the homeland of Bolívar.

At the same time, the Bolivarian government repudiates the hypocritical attitude of the historic enemies of Hugo Chávez, who have always lavished hatred, insults and scorn upon him, and are now trying to utilize his health situation as an excuse to destabilize the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Fortunately, this people awoke with Comandante Chávez and these corrupt right-wing factors will never return.

At this time, unity and discipline are the bases for guaranteeing the political stability of the homeland.

¡Que viva Chávez!

Caracas, March 4, 2013

......................................................................................................................................................................................

ALBA is a consolidated reality

CARACAS, Feb 28.—ALBA is a consolidated reality in the political and economic context, because it is composed of revolutionary, valiant and courageous governments, affirmed Venezuelan Vice President Nicolás Maduro today, speaking at the 10th Political Council of this regional alliance.

In relation to the advance of the Single Regional Payment Compensation System (SUCRE) – a virtual currency utilized for trading purposes among members of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Trade Treaty with the Peoples (ALBA-TCP), Maduro noted, "It is viable, necessary and possible to have one’s own monetary system."

The progressive and anti-imperialist forces of the region united within ALBA reaffirmed that in the face of destruction, war and the economic, social and political crisis generated by capitalism, an alternative of salvation and preservation of humanity is arising from the heart of the Americas, PL reported.

CUBA REAFFIRMS SOLIDARITY WITH VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT

In the context of the 10th ALBA Political Council, Cuba reaffirmed its solidarity with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.

"I come with a revolutionary embrace from the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro, from President Raúl Castro and the government and people of the island to President Hugo Chávez, who is fighting to recover his health with courage and determination," Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez stated to Prensa Latina.

Rodríguez reaffirmed Cuban support for the President, the Revolution he is leading, and the Venezuelan people who, aware of the achievements won, have made the gains of the Bolivarian process irreversible, despite threats of external and internal threats of destabilization and aggression.

He also expressed thanks for the regional bloc’s positive response to the ratification of Raúl Castro as President of Cuba.

Such actions reveal acceptance of diversity and the sovereign manner in which the Cuban people have spoken in the context of Raúl Castro’s reelection during the constitution of a new National Assembly, Rodríguez noted.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Statement from Josefina Vidal, U.S. director at the Cuban Foreign Ministry

IN the context of the publication of the February 27 MINREX statement, referring to a new outrage against one of the Five, a State Department official, who asked not to be named, gave a statement to the EFE news agency.

A cable from EFE, datelined February 28, noted that the U.S. admitted that it has denied consular visits to René González, due to "reciprocal travel restrictions." In the report, headlined "U.S: Consular visits to Cuban René González denied for reasons of reciprocity," the agency quotes a non-identified State Department official who stated, "Both the U.S. Interests Section in Havana and the Cuban Interests Section in Washington are subject to reciprocal travel restrictions."

"The Cubans are not letting us travel outside of Havana without previous authorization and so we are responding with the same restriction here."

"The problem is that the (Cuban) Interests Section cannot travel outside of Washington, and González is in Florida," he added. "If they let us travel outside of Havana, their officials can travel to see him."

The Spanish agency also added that, according to the State Department, González can travel to Washington to meet with Cuban officials, if those responsible for his supervised release allow him to travel there.

Responding to these statements from the State Department, the director of the United States Department at the Cuban Foreign Ministry stated:

"The United States Interests Section (USIS) in Havana invariably receives travel permits for outside of the capital in order to visit American prisoners and Cubans naturalized in the United States who are serving prison terms in any part of Cuba. In recent months, United States officials, including the USIS director himself, have had consular access in the provinces of Matanzas, Camagüey, Ciego de Avila, Artemisa and Mayabeque. We do not know what reciprocity he is talking about, as all travel permits for USIS consular visits have been authorized without exception. However, beginning September 2012, the State Department has denied all applications to visit René González presented by consular officials at the Cuban Interests Section in Washington, in open violation of its obligations to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. The United States authorities have also denied René’s recent applications for permits to travel outside of the area in which he is serving his additional sentence of supervised release, which is keeping him unjustly distanced from his wife, who is not permitted to visit him."

Havana, February 28, 2013

- MIAMI 5 

.........................................................................................................................................................
Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
● New outrage against one of the Five
State Department repeatedly denying consular access to René González
RENÉ González Sehwerert, Hero of the Republic of Cuba, has been subjected to a new arbitrary act on the part of the government of the United States, which has further limited the conditions of his supervised release, making them increasingly similar to incarceration. The U.S. government’s apparent purpose is to continue punishing him despite the many years of unjust and cruel treatment he has faced.
Since September 2012, the State Department has denied all applications made by the Cuban Interests Section in Washington for consular visits to René, which consistently took place during the 13 years he was imprisoned and the initial months of his supervised release. Our diplomatic mission in the United States has fruitlessly presented the State Department with various alternatives to continue consular visits to René, which have been rejected.
This act constitutes a flagrant violation of United States government obligations under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which protects René González’ right to freely communicate with Cuban Interests Section officials in Washington and the right of these officials to do the same and to visit him.
This deliberate and cruel decision represents an additional punishment, given the already strict conditions of René’s supervised release, which obliged him to remain a further three years in the United States, separated from his family, after having completed his long and unjust sentence to the last day.
Cuba strongly condemns this arbitrary decision on the part of U.S. authorities, which violates René’s rights, while it holds the United States responsible for the security and physical integrity of the anti-terrorist fighter.
Cuba will continue to denounce before the world these abuses and will not cease its efforts to achieve the return to the homeland of René and Gerardo Hernández Nordelo, Ramón Labañino Salazar, Antonio Guerrero Rodríguez and Fernando González Llort, unjustly imprisoned in the United States for close to 15 years.
Havana, February 27, 2013
.........................................................................................................................................................

The historical importance of a definitive process to guarantee the country’s future leadership
• Raúl reelected Council of State President • Miguel Díaz-Canel elected First Vice President and approved as First Vice President of the Council of Ministers • Esteban Lazo Hernández, new President of the National Assembly

Pedro de la Hoz & Susana Lee

THE symbolism linking the February 24 constitution of the National Assembly of People's Power with this date in 1895, when the struggle for independence was resumed by the fusion of experienced Mambises of the first war with the new generation of fighters, under the leadership of the Cuban Revolutionary Party and Martí, was highlighted by President Raúl Castro in his speech closing the session, during which Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez was elected as First Vice President of the Council of State and approved as First Vice President of the Council of Ministers.

This decision is of particular historical importance because it represents a definitive step in structuring the future leadership of the country, through a gradual and ordered transfer of the main positions to a new generation, a process that must be implemented over the next five years. President Raúl Castro emphasized the need to act consistently in the future with intention and foresight.

Beginning at 10am, with the historical leader of the Revolution, Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro in attendance, occupying his parliamentary seat, the deputies, voting on the membership of the Council of State, reelected as Vice Presidents José Ramón Machado Ventura, Gladys Bejerano Portela and Ramiro Valdés Menéndez, and two new Vice Presidents were elected: Mercedes López Acea and Salvador Valdés Mesa. Regarding the composition, there are 31 members, 17 of whom were re-elected, 13 are women, 12 black and mixed-race, with an average age of 57.

In the first part of the day after fulfilling the legal procedures to inaugurate the 8th Legislature, the deputies approved candidates for senior positions in the National Assembly, the highest body of state power, electing Esteban Lazo Hernández, as National Assembly President, and reelecting Ana María Mari Machado as Vice President, and Miriam Brito Sarroca, as Secretary.

Afterwards, Fidel expressed a few words of greeting in which, among other comments, he paid tribute to Cuba's national hero, Jose Marti, "to the revolutionary, anti-imperialist and Bolivarian, who sowed the first seeds of duty in our young people."

Raúl also recognized the work done by Ricardo Alarcón de Quesada as President of the National Assembly in four previous legislatures, and especially in defense of the Cuban Five, stating that in the future he will continue to be involved in this important activity.

...................................................................................................................................................................

Our greatest satisfaction is the tranquility and calm confidence we feel handing over the responsibility of continuing to build socialism to new generations
• Speech given by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, first secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee and President of the Councils of State and Ministers, closing the Constitutional Session of the 8th Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power, Havana’s International Convention Center, February 24, 2013

COMPAÑERAS and compañeros:

On a day like today, February 24, 1895, the struggle for independence was reinitiated with the fusion of the experienced Mambises of the first war and the nuevos pinos (new guard), under the leadership of the Cuban Revolutionary Party and [José] Martí.

It is once again incumbent upon me to assume before you and all our people the honor of presiding over the Council of State and the government.

In this context, I think it is worth reiterating what I have affirmed twice in this Parliament, and I quote, "I was not elected President to restore capitalism in Cuba, not to surrender the Revolution. I was elected to defend, maintain and continue perfecting socialism, not to destroy it."

In accordance with the agreements of the 6th Congress it will be necessary to reconcile the postulates of the Constitution of the Republic with the changes associated with the gradual implementation of the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and the Revolution.

Included in modifications we propose to introduce into the Constitution is one limiting to a maximum of two consecutive five-year terms the principal positions of state and government, and to establish maximum ages for occupying these positions.
At the same time, it is not healthy to be continually reformulating the nation’s Magna Carta and, given that effecting a constitutional reform necessarily takes a reasonable time since, while some questions can be modified by the Parliament itself, more important ones require ratification through the favorable vote of the majority of citizens in a referendum; I wish to clarify that, in my case, independently of the date of improving the Constitution, this will be my last mandate.

In this session the National Assembly elected Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez First Vice President of the Council of State and subsequently approved his appointment as First Vice President of the Council of Ministers.

We consider, given the circumstances being experienced by the country, circumstances we have been obliged to live with over the last 50 years of Revolution, that executive unity in the face of any contingency resulting from the loss of the maximum leader must be guaranteed in such a way that the continuity and stability of the nation is preserved without interruptions of any kind.
This decision is of particular historical significance because it represents a definitive step in the configuration of the country’s future leadership, via the gradual and orderly transfer of the principal positions to the new generations, a process that must be implemented over the next five years, acting from now on in a deliberate and farsighted manner, in order to avoid repeating the situation of not having sufficient reserves of cadres prepared to occupy higher positions in the country, and to ensure that the relief of the leaders proceeds in a natural and systematic process.
Compañero Díaz Canel is not a newcomer or an impromptu. He has a work record of almost 30 years, beginning at the base, in the profession which he studied. After completing his military service in the FAR (Revolutionary Armed Forces) anti-aircraft missile units, he taught in the Central University of Las Villas Faculty of Electrical Engineering, where he was proposed as a professional cadre of the Union of Communist Youth. Later, taking into consideration his results, he was promoted to the Party, gradually taking on greater responsibilities, among them first secretary of the Villa Clara Provincial Committee for close to 10 years, and then in Holguín for six years.

He has been a member of the Party Central Committee since 1991 and of the Political Bureau since 2003. He completed an internationalist mission in Nicaragua. He is a graduate of the National Defense College.

In 2009, he moved on to undertake governmental functions, first as Minister of Higher Education and, from 2012, as Vice President of the Council of Ministers responsible for attending to various bodies linked to education, science, sports and culture. On the other hand, he participates on a weekly basis in the government’s Financial Economic Commission, and in the Political Bureau Commission supervising the implementation of 6th Congress agreements.

The conduct of compañeros Machado Ventura and Colomé Ibarra, who took the initiative of offering their positions within the Council of State to promote younger generations, merits special mention.

In the case of Machado Ventura, a man with exceptional qualities as a leader and human being, modesty and dedication to his work, and an outstanding revolutionary for close to 60 years, a combatant in the Sierra Maestra and a founder member of the Frank País Eastern Second Front, from which he created and developed 20 field hospitals and 11 dispensaries distributed across mountainous areas throughout Guantánamo province and in parts of Santiago de Cuba and Holguín, the area covered by this guerrilla front. He took part in multiple combat actions, being wounded in one of them. On the basis of these qualities, and the prestige, training, experience and vitality which he has conserved, as well as his genuine capacity to continue contributing to the direction of decisive activities, the National Assembly has elected him to occupy one of the vice presidencies of the Council of State.

Similarly remaining a member of the Council of State is compañero Abelardo Colomé Ibarra who, from an early age, joined the revolutionary struggle in his native Santiago de Cuba, taking part in the November 30, 1956 uprising under the orders of Frank País, who selected him to enter the first reinforcement of the nascent Rebel Army in the Sierra Maestra.

Like Machado Ventura, he is a founding member of the Frank País Eastern Second Front, wounded on two occasions in combat against the dictatorship troops, and outstanding for his courage, for which he was promoted from the rank of solider to that of Comandante.

Since the triumph of the Revolution he has undertaken – with success, humility and loyalty – the tasks assigned to him, among which I must highlight the fulfillment of delicate internationalist missions. He undertook the development of the always-competent Military Intelligence; made a decisive contribution to the first victory over the invading forces in Angola, at the head of the Cuban Military Mission, from 1975-1977; and has served as First Deputy Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and Minister of the Interior, among other positions.

The attitude of Machado Ventura and Colomé Ibarra is not fortuitous, nor should it surprise anybody, it is a concrete demonstration of their genuine revolutionary fiber, with no room for vanity or personal interest, and far less for clinging to any position. This is the essence of the founding generation of this Revolution. That is how Fidel acted five years ago, providing a praiseworthy example.

Speaking in this context, it is appropriate to recall what Fidel stated, exactly 15 years ago, addressing the National Assembly on February 24, 1998, in relation to the first rule or trait which must characterize a revolutionary cadre. I quote, "No ambitions to occupy any position, people should reach the positions they hold on the basis of their merits, their work, their virtues and their patriotism…"

The Council of State elected in this session of our Parliament is a reflection of how we are beginning to make real the agreements of the 6th Party Congress in relation to the cadre policy. Of its 31 members, 41.9% are women and 38.6% are Black or mixed race. The average age is 57 and 61.3% were born after the triumph of the Revolution.

We already have two women vice presidents of the Council of State and we will persevere with the will to continually increase the number of women representatives in this body and in all the country’s institutions.

Similarly, the National Assembly was renewed by 67.26%, women’s participation has risen to 48.86% and that of Black and mixed race Cubans to 37.9%. Of our deputies, 82.68% completed higher education and the average age is 48 years.

In the country’s 15 provinces, women were elected as presidents of the Provincial Assemblies of People's Power in 10; the average age in these positions is 47 years and all are university graduates.

This data corroborates the quality of the Cuban electoral process and the potential of the People's Power bodies and this Assembly as the highest body of state power, executing the important powers established in the Constitution.

Fruitful and intense legislative work on the strengthening of our institutionality is precisely the responsibility of this legislature, particularly in the face of the implementation of the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Revolution and the Party, a process which has first priority and in which, as I explained in the last session of the National Assembly, we are beginning to advance toward questions of greater scope, complexity and profundity.

It fills us with healthy pride and satisfaction that the Cuban Parliament is headed, as of today, by compañero Esteban Lazo Hernández, member of the Political Bureau, a Black man of humble origins, from a very early age a cane cutter, worker in the mill and rice dryer in Jovellanos, where he was a member of the Municipal Committee of the Party. With enormous effort and without neglecting his Party responsibilities, he obtained a degree in Economics.

He subsequently occupied the position of first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba in Matanzas and then in Santiago de Cuba and City of Havana.

The same can be said in the cases of the new vice presidents of the Council of State, Díaz-Canel; Mercedes López Acea, the efficient first secretary of the Party in the capital; and Salvador Valdés Mesa, direct representative of the working class who, as a member of the Political Bureau, will move on to attending to the Cuban Workers Federation (CTC), in addition to other functions to be assigned by the Party.

All of them came from the people and, like the rest of the members of the Council of State, they constitute an irrefutable example of the putting into practice of Fidel’s words on April 16, 1961, on the eve of the mercenary Bay of Pigs invasion, when he said, "This is the socialist and democratic Revolution of the humble, by the humble and for the humble." Today, we are demonstrating that this is how it will continue to be for ever.

At the same time, having youth who identify with the ethical values and principles of social justice, who are prepared in all senses, including militarily, to defend and maintain on high the flags of the Revolution and socialism, is a motive for legitimate joy.

It is a fact that those of us who had the honor of accompanying Fidel in the early stages of the revolutionary undertaking and in the insurrectional struggle against the dictatorship, have had the privilege, together with the heroic people, of seeing with our own eyes the consolidation of the Revolution; however, the greatest satisfaction is the tranquility and calm confidence we feel upon gradually handing over the responsibility of continuing to build socialism to younger generations and with that, ensuring independence and national sovereignty.

We do so having defined in the Party Congress the direction to be taken in updating the Cuban economic model and attaining a prosperous and sustainable socialist society, a less egalitarian society, but a more just one, these being principles which will serve as a foundation for drafting the development program through 2030, currently being prepared.

This will be possible because the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines are, in the first place, the fruit of wide-ranging and democratic discussion with the people, which made them theirs, reformulating 68% of the initial proposals as a result of popular consultation.

In the same way, these were supported by Parliament, in its twice yearly sessions, used to report on the progress of the economic plan and the implementation of the aforementioned guidelines.

A similar analysis is undertaken in the plenary sessions of the Central Committee and the provincial and municipal committees of the Party, with the participation of local administrative leaders.

These methods of direct consultation with the population, which have developed over more than 50 years of the revolutionary process and which will continue to be perfected before, during and after adopting more highly significant decisions for the country’s future, constitute an additional factor contributing to the tranquility and hopes for the future which we experienced as members of the historic leadership of the Revolution, given that, in addition to constantly strengthening the unity and support of the people, they will guarantee the timely rectification of errors which we might commit.

In Cuba, nobody will ever be permitted to sidestep what is clearly expressed in Article No. 3 of the Constitution, and I quote, "Sovereignty resides in the people, from whom all state power is derived."

To those within or outside of the country who, with good or bad intentions, are encouraging us to move faster, we say that we will continue without haste, but in a measured way, with our feet planted firmly on the ground, without shock therapies against the people and without leaving any citizen unprotected, overcoming the barrier of immobility and obsolete mentality in favor of untying the knots holding back the development of the productive forces; in other words, economic advances, as the essential cement for ensuring, among other spheres, the social gains of the Revolution in education, public health, culture and sports, which should be fundamental human rights and not private businesses.

At the same time, we propose to continue confronting indiscipline and illegalities of every kind, including combating manifestations of corruption which attack the very bases of our social system, on the principle that, without establishing an environment of order, discipline and rigor in society, any result will be ephemeral. In the meeting of this Parliament in the first half of July, we shall deal in depth with this shameful matter of indiscipline and illegalities.

Moving on to issues of an international nature, I cannot fail to mention that, on January 28, the 160th anniversary of the birth of José Martí, Cuba assumed the presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and will have the responsibility of organizing its next summit in our country in 2014.

This is an event of particular relevance which vindicates the struggle of the Cuban people for their sovereignty and self-determination. It demonstrates how much Latin America and the Caribbean have advanced toward their definitive independence and exposes the isolation and failure of the policy of the United States’ economic and media blockade of our nation.

The Cuban presidency of CELAC will act with prudence and determination to promote what unites us on the shared road to peace, development, social justice, democracy with the genuine participation of the people, the guaranteed exercise of all human rights for all the people, sovereignty over natural resources and the reduction of social inequality and poverty.

We must nurture our unity within diversity and prevent attempts to divide us. We know that the consolidation of this organization will confront difficult obstacles derived from the unjust and unsustainable international order, the global economic crisis, aggressive NATO policies, the threats and consequences of its non-conventional wars and the attempt at a new division of the world; the existence of enormous nuclear arsenals and ingenious weapons, as well as climate change.

Inequality in the distribution of wealth on the continent is the principal weakness and, at the same time, the greatest challenge that we face. In a Latin America with more unity, integration and social justice, nothing will be able to hold us back.

I take advantage of this occasion to reiterate, in the name of this Assembly and the Cuban people, congratulations to President Rafael Correa and the Citizens’ Revolution which he leads on their resounding electoral victory last Sunday (Feb 17).

We send President Hugo Chávez Frías a fraternal embrace and best wishes for his recovery. We confirm the solidarity of this National Assembly and that of our compatriots with the Bolivarian Revolution, the Venezuelan people and their leaders.

More than a month after they went into effect, the new migratory and travel regulations have been fully implemented without setbacks, with a favorable reception on the part of the population and the overwhelming majority of the Cuban émigré community.

We shall continue demanding the liberation and return to the homeland of our Five Heroes, to whom we convey fraternal greetings, the recognition and commitment of this Parliament and all of the people.

To end my words, and above all thinking about the future of the homeland, I believe that the best way of doing so is with the brilliant definition of the concept of Revolution formulated by its Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro Ruz, on May 1, 2000, in Plaza de la Revolución. I quote:
Revolution is a sense of the historic moment; it is changing everything that must be changed; it is full equality and freedom; it is being treated and treating others like human beings; it is attaining emancipation by ourselves and through our own efforts; it is defying powerful dominant forces within and outside of the social and national sphere; it is defending values in which we believe at the cost of any sacrifice; it is modesty, selflessness, altruism, solidarity and heroism; it is fighting with courage, intelligence and realism; it is never lying or violating ethic principles; it is a profound conviction that there is no force in the world able to crush the force of truth and ideas.

Revolution is unity; it is independence, it is fighting for our dreams of justice for Cuba and for the world, which is the foundation of our patriotism, our socialism and our internationalism." (End of quote) (Applause)

May this masterly definition forever serve as the guide for all generations of Cuban patriots and revolutionaries!

Thank you very much (Ovation)

---

Editor-in-chief: Lázaro Barredo Medina / General Editor: Gustavo Becerra Estorino
SPONSOR: Teledatos-Cubaweb. La Habana
Granma International On line: http://www.granma.cu/

PolEco: Posthumous Messages on Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias - from Granma International (Cuban Daily)

Chávez: A universal revolutionary

WITHOUT any distinction of political affiliation or geographic location, expressions of sorrow at the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez continue, in a generalized acknowledgment of the architect of the Bolivarian Revolution and one of the principal promoters of an integrated Latin America and the Caribbean.

Photo: José M. Correa

The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America- Trade Treaty of the Peoples (ALBA-TCP) honored him before the UN Human Rights Council.

"Chávez was able to fully interpret the pro-independence and pro-unity thinking of Latin American and Caribbean independence leaders and take it to its most complete expression, the ALBA," affirmed Angélica Navarro, the Bolivian permanent representative in Geneva.

Alí Rodríguez Araque, UN secretary general of UNASUR, said that Chávez would be remembered not only as the promoter of Latin American integration and "the great restorer of Bolívar’s original project, but also the leader who restored Venezuelan dignity…"

Heads of MERCOSUR, ECLAC, and the Latin American Parliament also sent condolences to the Venezuelan government and people.

In a press conference in Haiti, President Michel Martelly expressed his sorrow at the death of Chávez, who he described as an exceptional person. "A great man has died, an exceptional person who never missed an opportunity to express his love for Haiti and to help its people. We will always be grateful to President Chávez, today is a sad day."

Guyanese President Donald Ramotar and Alejandro García Padilla, Governor of Puerto Rico, also sent condolences.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-Army of the People (FARC-EP) issued a communiqué stating that it shares the pain of Venezuelan Bolivarians at the heartbreaking news. "Like no-one else, Chávez fought passionately to make material the social program of the Liberator Simón Bolívar, the unity and dignity of our peoples, the conviction of sovereignty and freedom in their widest sense."

Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized Chávez’ elevated human and leadership qualities in a message of condolence to the Venezuelan government and people. Putin described him as "an exceptional and outstanding leader and a close friend of Russia."

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko lamented the death of the Venezuelan leader, whom he described as a faithful and close friend and brother of his country.

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic announced that the Venezuelan President is to be awarded a posthumous decoration "for his merits in the development and reinforcement of peaceful cooperation between the two countries."

Irish President Michael Higgins highlighted Chávez’ battle against poverty and the social advances he achieved.

There were official announcements of condolences and acknowledgment of the head of state’s historic legacy in Italy, Portugal and Spain.

The Chinese Foreign Minister announced that President Hu Jintao; General Secretary of the Communist Party Xi Jinping; and Wu Bangguo, President of the Permanent Committee of the People’s National Assembly sent messages of condolence to Venezuelan authorities. The note describes Chávez as "a good friend of the Chinese people… who did much in favor of friendly and cooperative relations between Beijing and Caracas."

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh affirmed his profound sadness and described Chávez as "a charismatic and immensely popular leader, who leaves a legacy of struggle for social justice."

President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya also lamented the death of Chávez, who he defined as a key architect in African-South American relations.

Palestine National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas offered condolences to the Venezuelan people and government, while noting, "Palestinians have lost a friend who passionately defended their right to freedom."

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad affirmed that his Venezuelan counterpart will be like a saint who will return on the Day of Resurrection. Syrian leader Bashar al Assad stated that the death of Chávez was both "a great personal loss" and a loss for the Syrian people.

In the United States, actors Danny Glover and Sean Penn, and filmmakers Michael Moore and Oliver Stone also expressed their condolences to the Venezuelan people and highlighted the leader’s work in defense of the poor of the world and lovers of freedom.

Argentine footballer Diego Maradona also joined his compatriots in mourning the death of President Hugo Chávez. (SE)

- Communiqué from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on the death of Comandante President Hugo Chávez Frías

PolEco: Sanlakas Partylist's Letter of Solidarity to the Venezuelan people and the oppressed classes of all Nations

A letter of solidarity and mourning with the people of Venezuela and the oppressed classes of all nations

Details

Category: Statements

Published on Wednesday, 06 March 2013 13:21

In this hour of grief, Sanlakas Party-list together with the exploited masses of the Filipino nation are one with oppressed classes of all nations in mourning the loss of one of the greatest champion of social justice and democratic reform in the last decade.
We realize that no amount of words could ever make the perfect eulogy for a Hugo Chavez. For he is an exceptional intellectual who went against the tide, an illuminating leader who steered millions to struggle, a resolute commander of the global resistance against the neo-liberal world order.
The Filipino nation could only envy the Venezuelan people for they were gifted with a Hugo Chavez for fourteen years institutionalizing people-centered reforms while we suffer from a spoiled-brat of a landlord sitting idly in the presidential palace.
Hugo's militancy, charisma and political wizardry did not only impress the world but more importantly it inspired every exploited and downtrodden factory worker, peasant, tribesman, government employee, foot soldier and other deprived sectors which bear the weight of both imperialist greed for profit and rotten political puppet to struggle against their dictates.
It is our sincerest hope that the glorious Bolivarian revolutionary tradition remain to be the bailiwick of genuine democracy and the seedbed of revolutionary fervor not only in Latin America but the rest of the world. May Hugo's example serve us well and the succeeding generations to continue the struggle till this system of greed and injustice sowed by the oligarchs be trampled once and for all.
Mabuhay ka, Commandante Hugo Chavez!
Mabuhay ang pakikibaka ng mga api't pinagsasamantalahan sa buong daigdig!

Sanlakas Partylist