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Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2001 01:57:07 -0400
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Subject: Radio Havana Cuba-18 October 2001
Radio Havana Cuba-18 October 2001
Via NY Transfer News * All the News That Doesn't Fit
Radio Havana Cuba - News Update - 18 October 2001
.
*CUBA ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON RUSSIAN ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSURE OF
LOURDES ELECTRONIC RADAR STATION ON THE ISLAND
*FIRST CONGRESS OF YOUNG ARTISTS WRAPS UP IN HAVANA
*SIXTH CONGRESS ON LEGAL ASPECTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNDERWAY
IN GUANTANAMO
*PARTICIPANTS IN IBEROEKA FORUM TOUR PLACES OF INTEREST IN HAVANA
*DELEGATES FROM 33 NATIONS TO PARTICIPATE AT HAVANA'S INTERNATIONAL FAIR
*THURSDAY BOMBING RAIDS IN AFGHANISTAN LEAVE LARGEST NUMBER YET OF
INDEPENDENTLY CONFIRMED CIVILIAN VICTIMS
*US CITY OF BERKELEY BECOMES FIRST TO OFFICIALLY OPPOSE BOMBARDMENT
OF AFGHANISTAN
*COLOMBIAN REBEL-GOVERNMENT PEACE PROCESS ONCE AGAIN HANGING BY A THREAD
*PALESTINE NATIONAL AUTHORITY REFUSES TO EXTRADITE TO ISRAEL
ASSASSINS OF ULTRA-RIGHT WING ISRAELI TOURISM MINISTER
Viewpoint:
*THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE ARE RIDING AGAIN WITH THE UNITED
STATES AND BRITAIN AS SHIELD BEARERS
.
*CUBA ISSUES CLARIFICATION ON RUSSIAN ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSURE OF
LOURDES ELECTRONIC RADAR STATION ON THE ISLAND
Havana, October 18 (RHC) -- The government of Cuba has issued an
official clarification concerning Russia's announcement that it would
close its military electronic radar stations in Lourdes, Cuba and Cam
Ranh Bay, Vietnam. A front-page statement in the official Cuban news
daily "Granma" noted that Russian Armed Forces General Staff chief,
Commander Anatoly Kvashnin, declared that "Russis is withdrawing its
military bases from Cuba and Vietnam as a result of the change in the
international military-political situation, and in view of the
savings in financial resources for the army and navy.
To avoid any errors or confusion, Cuba stated that it would like to
clarify that the two facilities should not have been lumped together
in the Russian declaration because they differ greatly in their
origins, functions and importance. Cam Ranh, says the statement, was
a naval base built by the United States some 20 thousand kilometers
away from its territory and leased to the Soviet Union in 1979 -
noting that it is of barely any use for a country like Russia, which
has had practically no surface vessel fleet since the USSR's demise.
At this moment, stated the Cuban government, Vietnam faces no danger
of military aggression from the United States. The statement goes on
to say that the Lourdes Electronic Radar Station, on the other hand,
was established in 1964, two years after the October Missile Crisis,
and that the USSR did not pay a cent for the services it received
from Cuba due to close cooperation between the two countries.
Cuba recalled that in 1992, following the collapse of the Soviet
Union, the Russian Federation unilaterally withdrew the military
brigade that had remained in Cuba after the Missile Crisis as a
result of negotiations with Washington, while at the same time
expressing its interest in maintaining the Lourdes Electronic Radar
Station as an important element for its strategic security -
particularly as a means of verifying strict compliance with nuclear
reduction and disarmament agreements.
The official statement recalled that despite flagrant violations of
agreements, economic losses and risks faced by Cuba, Havana allowed
the facility to stay with no charge whatsoever. But Russia's
reiterated interest in maintaining, expanding and modernizing the
installation led to an agreement which included payment to Cuba in
hard currency - though the amount barely constituted 3 percent of the
damage caused to Cuba's economy by the disintegration of the
socialist block and the USSR and the unilateral annulment of all
agreements.
Noting that the United States has relentlessly pressured Russia over
the existence of this facility, the government of Cuba pointed out
that Washington itself has maintained a military base in Cuban
territory for over 100 years now and against the will of the Cuban
people. Recalling that Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke of
further developing and modernizing the facility during his visit to
Cuba last December, the statement affirmed that only months later a
curious change was observed in Russia's policy, which included
non-compliance with its financial obligation and unjustifiable and
exaggerated demands for a reduction in the amount paid for services
rendered.
It was at this stage, stated the Cuban government, that the current
international crisis broke out, with Russia offering broad support
and cooperation for the war unleashed by the United States. The Cuban
government insisted that negotiations regarding the Lourdes
Electronic Radar Station have yet to be concluded, warning that
withdrawal of the station would be a message and a concession to the
US government that would constitute a grave threat to Cuba's
security.
Cuba announced that it will refrain for the moment from making any
judgments or criticisms regarding Russia's Thursday announcement, and
will simply limit itself to offering absolutely factual information
to the Cuban people, and to hoping that this disagreement can be
resolved in a reasonable, fair and honorable manner.
*FIRST CONGRESS OF YOUNG ARTISTS WRAPS UP IN HAVANA
Havana, October 18 (RHC)-- The First Congress of the Hermanos Saiz
Association wrapped up this evening at Havana's International
Convention Center. The gathering brought together dozens of the
island's best cultural workers.
According to the president of the Organizing Committee for the
Congress, Alpidio Alonso, the primary objective of the four-day
meeting was to examine and promote cultural projects that conserve
national identity and independence. He praised the participation of
numerous cultural workers and community leaders from across the
island.
The leader of the Havana-based cultural organization also noted that
his Association is working with young people who are making new
recordings of rap and rock music. He pointed out that there is a new
generation of Cuban artists working in theatrical productions and
musical presentations.
Alpidio Alonzo also noted that today, October 18th, is the cultural
association's 15th anniversary. On this date in 1986, the
organization -- which now has over 3000 members -- was formed in the
Cuban capital.
The Hermanos Saiz or Saiz Brothers Association takes its name from
Luis and Sergio Saiz, two Cuban teenagers who were killed in 1958 by
Batista's police forces. The two brothers were young writers and
poets and were involved in the struggle against the dictatorship.
*SIXTH CONGRESS ON LEGAL ASPECTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNDERWAY
IN GUANTANAMO
Guantanamo, October 18 (RHC)-- The Sixth Congress on Legal Aspects
of Information Technology is underway in Guantanamo. Nearly 100
delegates will take part in the meeting, which will run through
Saturday, the 20th.
The Congress is being sponsored by the Cuban Union of Jurists.
Participants will attend workshops on legal matters relating to
computer technology and the use of information. They are also
scheduled to visit places of historic and cultural interest.
*PARTICIPANTS IN IBEROEKA FORUM TOUR PLACES OF INTEREST IN HAVANA
Havana, October 18 (RHC)-- Representatives from 21 member nations of
the IBEROEKA Projects, who are participating in the Second Forum
IBEROEKA 2001, toured places of scientific interest in the Cuban
capital on the final day of an encounter aimed at boosting
technological cooperation among Ibero-American nations.
Delegates also toured the Center for Biotechnology and Genetic
Engineering and the Carlos J. Finlay Institute for Molecular
Immunology and Research.
For three days, the participants in IBEROEKA 2001 debated the
medicinal use of biotechnology, disposable biological materials and
pharmaceutical chemistry.
*DELEGATES FROM 33 NATIONS TO PARTICIPATE AT HAVANA'S INTERNATIONAL FAIR
Havana, October 18 (RHC)-- Some 33 nations, 13 official delegations
and 25 chambers of commerce have already confirmed their
participation at Havana's 19th International Fair, set for October
28th through November 4th.
The event's organizing committee estimates that the number of
participants will increase as CARICOM member nations confirm their
participation. They also announced the presence for the first time at
the fair of New Zealand, Croatia and the United States.
Abraham Maciques, main coordinator of Havana's International Fair,
reported that 1300 foreign companies and more than 400 Cuban firms
will participate in the exhibition fair, which will also include
representatives from the European Union.
The ever-growing numbers of foreign business executives at the Havana
Fair is further evidence that the event is seen as a unique
opportunity to discuss business operations with their Cuban
counterparts. It also provides an opportunity to promote Cuban
exports and strengthen cooperation ties with trade partners from
around the world.
*THURSDAY BOMBING RAIDS IN AFGHANISTAN LEAVE LARGEST NUMBER YET OF
INDEPENDENTLY CONFIRMED CIVILIAN VICTIMS
Islamabad, October 18 (RHC) -- Thursday's bombing raids against
Afghanistan resulted in the largest number of independently confirmed
civilian casualties. Moments after a missile strike against the
capital, Kabul, one resident told the Pakistan-based Islamic news
agency AIP that he had lost 5 members of his family in an attack that
destroyed 6 homes in a residential neighborhood on the southeastern
outskirts of the capital.
Other residents reportedly spoke of the death of an 8 year old girl
in a neighborhood on the eastern outskirts. Again basing its report
on eyewitnesses, the AIP news agency also reported 13 civilians
killed and 12 wounded during an attack against Kandahar, the Taliban
regime's spiritual center.
The Saudi Arabian TV chain Al-Jazira transmitted images of mutilated
bodies following the bombardment of Kabul, as well as rescue workers
pulling bodies and human remains from beneath destroyed buildings.
The Saudi network warned its viewers about the gory nature of the
scenes before transmitting them.
*US CITY OF BERKELEY BECOMES FIRST TO OFFICIALLY OPPOSE BOMBARDMENT
OF AFGHANISTAN
Berkeley, October 18 (RHC) -- The U.S. city of Berkeley has become
the country's first city to officially pronounce itself against the
bombardment of Afghanistan. Despite receiving numerous death threats
by phone and e-mail, the Berkeley City Council approved a resolution
calling on President George W. Bush to suspend the military strikes,
while also calling on the United Nations to take legal action against
Osama Bin Laden, his Al Qaida terrorist organization and the Taliban
regime.
City officials said the resolution was passed due to concern for the
lives of innocent people in Afghanistan. The resolution calls on the
U.S. government to bring before the United Nations criminal charges
against the Taliban regime for providing a safe haven for terrorists.
Berkeley Mayor Shirley Dean said that during the 10 days the
resolution was debated her office received anonymous threatening
phone calls and e-mail messages, particularly since the University of
California student newspaper "The Californian" reported that she had
affirmed that the United States government is terrorist - which she
denied having said.
*COLOMBIAN REBEL-GOVERNMENT PEACE PROCESS ONCE AGAIN HANGING BY A THREAD
Bogot�, October 18 (RHC) -- Colombian guerrilla leader Manuel
Marulanda has ordered his peace negotiators to suspend talks with the
government due to military harassment of the demilitarized zone. Amid
calls from conservative political and business sectors to suspend the
peace process, President Andres Pastrana last week ordered a
three-month extension of his government's legal recognition of the
demilitarized zone - though with certain conditions.
One of those conditions was a stepped up military control of the
area's perimeter by land and air. Marulanda stated, however, that
government soldiers have entered the demilitarized zone, that the
vehicles of rebel leaders and peace negotiators have been followed
and that these controls place rebel forces at risk each time they
have to mobilize for an encounter with government peace negotiators.
He said military aircraft are carrying out non-stop flights over the
municipality in the demilitarized zone where peace negotiations have
been taking place. The Colombian government, in a quick response to
the denunciation, accused the rebels of being afraid of peace and
reiterated its decision to maintain the stepped up military control
of the demilitarized zone. Local observers and media outlets in
Colombia are commenting that the rebel-government peace process is
once again hanging by a thread.
*PALESTINE NATIONAL AUTHORITY REFUSES TO EXTRADITE TO ISRAEL
ASSASSINS OF ULTRA-RIGHT WING ISRAELI TOURISM MINISTER
Jerusalem, October 18 (RHC) -- The Palestine National Authority has
refused to turn over to Israel the assassins of ultra-right wing
Israeli Tourism Minister Rejavam Zeevi. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel
Sharon issued an ultimatum to Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, but
Palestinian authorities said that neither they nor Israel are under
obligation to extradite their citizens.
The Palestine National Authority has never accepted an Israeli
extradition request. Palestinian security forces have reportedly
arrested some 30 activists from the Palestine Popular Liberation
Front, which claimed responsibility for the assassination.
Meanwhile, Palestinian authorities have denounced an Israeli plot to
assassinate Yasser Arafat, as the Israeli army again stepped up
military pressure in occupied territories. In an attack again the
West Bank cities of Ramallah and Jenin three Palestinians were
killed, including a 12-year-old girl. Three of the girls' friends
playing with her at the time were wounded.
Viewpoint:
*THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE ARE RIDING AGAIN WITH THE UNITED
STATES AND BRITAIN AS SHIELD BEARERS
Hunger, war, death and disease, the mythic four horsemen of the
Apocalypse are galloping across the sky again, this time the loyal
shield bearers of the leaders of the world's two most powerful
nations: the United States and Great Britain. In a collection of
paintings by M.P. Cornelius known as Frescos from the Porticals of
Berlin Cemetery, the destruction of the human race by those four
evils is vividly depicted.
The medieval paintings can't hold a candle to the horrifying reality
of the third millennium which, while it is spawning war and
destruction in central Asia, hunger and death are spreading across
the globe and disease is threatening to destroy entire African
nations. Humans have rarely had to face such a difficult situation,
practically surrounded by the four evils, while powerful nations push
on with their testing of the most modern deadly means of destruction
in revenge for the cruel, inhuman actions of last September 11th in
New York and Washington.
Fortunately voices of protest are beginning to be heard, though thus
far lacking sufficient force. Meanwhile, there are important issues
to be dealt with. As international attention is distracted, it seems
as though the death of tens of thousands of people everyday from
hunger, AIDS , tuberculosis and malaria, no longer matter.
Important meetings, like the Non-Aligned Summit and the meeting
against hunger that was to have been held soon in Rome, have been put
on the back burner. Vital themes like solidarity with the poorest
peoples of the world and the survival children, pale against news of
war. Though good news is increasingly absent, the struggle for the
betterment of humankind goes on.
However, despite everything, we in Cuba are sure that humankind will
survive and that the malevolent horsemen of the Apocalypse, along
with their shield bearers, will be defeated and sooner or later
humanity will take another step towards development and the
construction of a just society. Cuba, not as isolated at some may
think, is working to become a beacon that lights the way through the
darkens that has descended.
(c) 2001 Radio Habana Cuba, NY Transfer News. All rights reserved.
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