Cubans resident in Europe condemn hostile anti-Cuba policy

BY ALBERTO NUÑEZ BETANCOURT AND JOSE M. CORREA (photo)
—Granma daily special correspondents—

PARIS.— The First Encounter of Cubans Resident in Europe Against the Blockade came to a close in this city with a final declaration condemning the hostile policy adopted by the United States and European governments against our country.

The motion, which was passed by representatives from around 20 different countries, states that feelings of justice and respect towards the homeland predominate amongst the Cuban community on this continent. The vast majority acknowledge their roots and identify with the values of the nation.

The statement also calls for a halt to the aggression against and pressure on Cuba, for the blockade to be lifted and for normal relations to be established between Cuba and the U.S.

Another demand included in the statement calls for an end to the terrorist attacks which have caused thousands of deaths and maimed countless victims for over 45 years.

A special resolution was also circulated to demand the immediate release of the Five, political prisoners of the empire and true anti-terrorist fighters. The initiative calls on the European people to support this just demand.

In the final session of the conference, delegates held a meeting with Irma González, daughter of René, and Camilo Rojo, son of Jesús Rojo, a victim of the Barbados bombing.

Convened by members of Raíces Cubanas, an organization of Cubans resident in France, those present at the conference committed themselves to mobilize their compatriots in Europe in order to defend the homeland in the face of threats and slander by its enemies.

Likewise, they made the decision to declare October 10 – a historically significant date for the Cuban nation – as Cuba in Europe Day, as well as scheduling the second conference of this kind to take place in 2007 in the German city of Berlin. Delegates also agreed to send copies of the final declaration to the European Commission, the European Council, the European parliament, the governments of its member countries and national parliaments.

In the closing speech, Deputy Foreign Minister Eumelio Caballero stressed how important it is for Cuban citizens, wherever they may be resident, to demand the release of the Five, because their struggle is universal.

He added that the conference demonstrates the need to coordinate an international network in Europe of Cubans who are willing to work and fight for their homeland.