CUBANEWS FROM RADIO HAVANA CUBA December 4, 1997 rhc@radiohc.org http://www.radiohc.org The following items are taking from Radio Havana Cuba's news service for Thursday, December 4, 1997. Today's stories: 1.- CUBAN DAILY GRANMA SAYS CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION RUNS CONTRARY TO INTERESTS OF BOTH CUBA AND THE UNITED STATES 2.- CUBAN VICE PRESIDENT CARLOS LAGE SAYS REGIONAL INTEGRATION THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE FOR THE CARIBBEAN 3.- CARICOM SECRETARY GENERAL EDWIN CARRINGTON PRAISES RESULTS OF 4TH CUBA-CARICOM MIXED COMMISSION GATHERING IN HAVANA 4.- HIGH RANKING ZAMBIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN ARRRIVES IN HAVANA THURSDAY 5.- CUBA AMONG NATIONS WITH REAL POSSIBILITIES OF OBTAINING A VACCINE AGAINST AIDS 6.- THREE CUBAN FEATURE LENGTH FICTION FILMS WILL BE SCREENED AT LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL 7.- INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL IN FULL SWING IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA 8.- INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION FAIR UNDERWAY IN HAVANA'S PABEXPO EXHIBIT HALLS CUBAN DAILY GRANMA SAYS CUBAN AMERICAN NATIONAL FOUNDATION RUNS CONTRARY TO INTERESTS OF BOTH CUBA AND THE UNITED STATES Havana, December 4(RHC)-- The ultra right wing Cuban American National Foundation runs contrary to the interests of both Cuba and the United States, according to an article published today in the Cuban news daily Granma. In an extensive article on how the CANF operates, columnist Nicanor Leon Cotayo describes the financing of this organization, which he said was created in 1981 by then-National Security advisor Richard Allen within the framework of the rise to power of the ultra right wing led by former President Ronald Reagan. The article mentions the CANF's Miami-based National Action Committee, which, it says, uses any method to collect funds that are later used to influence the US Congress. Leon Cotayo recalled the August 3rd, 1992 article in The Wall Street Journal, which revealed that the Foundation had turned over large sums of money to US Congressman Robert Torricelli. Last November 24th, the Miami daily El Nuevo Herald revealed that large sums have also been turned over to Florida Senator Robert Graham, who recently attached an ammendent to the US's defense spending bill defining Cuba as a military threat to the United States. The CANF has received significant funds, according to the article, from the Washington DC-based National Endowment for Democracy, which Leon Cotayo calls an ultra right wing organization with ties to the CIA and disguised as an organization favoring worldwide democracy. Congressional committees have also earmarked funds for some of the Foundation's projects, but, according to the article, a part of this money is later used to benefit the political campaigns of Florida lawmakers and those from other states with which the CANF has close relations. The Cuban columnist charged that the Foundation uses its influence in Washington to sell favors to business executives who later make significant contributions to the organization. And finally, Leon Cotayo said that just like the Italian mafia, in exchange for contributions, the Cuban American National Foundation sells protection to Florida businessmen against municipal authorities, judges, district attornies and the police. Taking note of the CANF's terrorist nature, the Granma article points to its current leader, Alberto M. Hernadez Sarduy, who rose to vice president of the organization after years of close ties with terrorists Orlando Bosch, Luis Posada Carriles and Felix Rodriguez, the CIA agent tied to the assassination in Bolivia of Che Guevara. Hernandez Sarduy was also member of the terrorist organizations Alpha 66 and the Cuban Liberation Movement. The article takes note of his current leadership of the Cuban American National Foundation following the death of Jorge Mas Canosa, who was buried alongside Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza, and Cuban dictator Gerardo Machado. CUBAN VICE PRESIDENT CARLOS LAGE SAYS REGIONAL INTEGRATION THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE FOR THE CARIBBEAN Havana, December 4(RHC)-- In related news, the 7th Caribbean-Europe Conference opened today in Havana. At the opening ceremony, Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage asserted that regional integration is the only alternative for the Caribbean in the face of globalization and the consolidation of economic blocks. Lage said that due to the technological gap, the protectionism of industrialized nations, environmental deterioration and the instability caused by international finance mechanisms, individual Caribbean economies cannot alone compete with the developed world. The also secretary of Cuba's Council of Ministers reiterated Cuba's gratitude for the firmness with which the Caribbean Community has decided to incorporate Cuba into the regional integration process. With respect to the European Union, Lage pointed out that 29 percent of Cuba's trade is carried out with the Old Continent, calling it a significant increase with respect to the 7 percent in 1990. To participate in the 7th Caribbean-Europe Conference, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, arrived Wednesday evening in Havana. Right after his arrival, the Barbadian prime minister participated in a ceremony in the San Francisco de Asis Basilica -- in Old Havana -- on the ocassion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and Jamaica. CARICOM SECRETARY GENERAL EDWIN CARRINGTON PRAISES RESULTS OF 4TH CUBA-CARICOM MIXED COMMISSION GATHERING IN HAVANA Havana, December 4(RHC)-- The Caribbean Community's Secretary General Edwin Carrington has asserted that the 4th Meeting of the Caricom-Cuba Mixed Commission has been the most successful of its type. In his speech at the 3-day event's closing ceremony Wednesday, Carrington reiterated his acknowledgement of both his organization and Cuba for their mutual contribution to the region's development. He said Caricom's Secretariat is very pleased with what the meeting has been able to achieve. Carrington refered to the fields of human resources and tourism, stressing the role played by Cuba and Caricom. He also pointed to the importance of the Caricom's trade office to be opened soon in Cuba to facilitate regional trade relations. Also during the meeting's conclusions participants reiterated their condemnation of the US's anti-Cuba Helms Burton law which internationalizes Washington's economic blockade of the island. For his part, Cuban Foreign trade Minister Ricardo Cabrisass reiterated Cuba's determination and willingness to join regional efforts towards development, economic progress and equity in an enviromnent characterized by mutual respect. The 4th Meeting of the Caricom-Cuba Mixed Commission sessioned this week at Havana's International Convention Center with the participation of government representatives from 10 Caribbean countries. The 5th Meeting is scheduled to take place during the third quarter of 1998, though the Mixed Commission has yet to choose the host country. HIGH RANKING ZAMBIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN ARRRIVES IN HAVANA THURSDAY Havana, December 4(RHC)-- The President of the Zambian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission, Vernon Muanga, arrives in the Cuban capital Thursday at the invitation of the Cuban National Assembly of People's Power. During his stay in Cuba, the Zambian lawmaker will meet with Cuban legislators and government officials and visit centers of economic and scientific interest and Havana's Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology Center. Recently the Zambian National Assembly heard a presentation by that country's Foreign Minister on Zambia's stance against Washington's more than 35 year blockade against Cuba. The Zambian top diplomat also expressed his government's rejection of what he called the fascist Helms-Burton Law the anti-Cuba legislation aimed at further tightening Washington's stranglehold on the Caribbean island. In that session of the African country's parliament, deputies passed a motion condemning such anti- Cuba measures. CUBA AMONG NATIONS WITH REAL POSSIBILITIES OF OBTAINING A VACCINE AGAINST AIDS Havana, December 4(RHC)-- The Director of Havana's Genetics Engineering and Biotechnology Center, Manuel Limonta, announced that Cuba is among the few countries in the world with real possibilities of obtaining a vaccine against the Human Immuno Deficiency Virus, HIV. The expert revealed that Cuba, along with nations like the United States, France and Britain, has the necessary technology and human infrastructure capable of reaching that scientific goal. Limonta made the announcement during a ceremony to mark the 164th anniversary of the birth of Cuban scientist, Carlos J. Finlay, who discovered the carrier of yellow fever in 1881. During the ceremony, Cuban Public Health Minister, Dr. Carlos Dotres presented seven oustanding Cuban scientific and research institutions with the Carlos J. Finlay order. THREE CUBAN FEATURE LENGTH FICTION FILMS WILL BE SCREENED AT LATIN AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL Havana, December 4(RHC)-- During the most difficult years of Cuba's economic crisis, known here as the "special period", rumour abounded that the island's International Festival of New Latin American Film would be cancelled. Though the lavish parties ended, and some year's Cuba had no entries in the competetion, the Festival continued and continues. And this year, as YF reports, Cuba has three feature length fiction films in competion: "Love, tenderness, fantasy, seduction, nostalgia and humor are among the themes touched upon by the 58 Cuban movies, documentaries, short subjects and videos in competetion in this year's film festival. In the feature length fiction category are: "Vertical Love", by Arturo Sotto, "Kleines tropicana" by veteran filmmaker Daniel Diaz Torres and "Sapphires, Blue Madness" by Manuel Herrera. "Vertical Love" is a passionate and surreal love story, narrated in a sometimes comical, sometimes sensual way. Among the film's many actors are Jorge Perugorria, of Strawberry and Chocolate, Silvia Aguila, Manuel Porto, Aramis Delgado and Paula Ali. "Kleines tropicana" is a Cuban production with the colaboration of the German, Hispanic BMG company. The film, a dective movie, is directed by Daniel Diaz Torres who is known for his movies, "Jibaro" and "The Other Woman". It is based on real events and takes place in Havana of today. "Sapphires, Blue Madness" focuses on a group of people in Havana of the l960's. The cast includes Luis Alberto Garcia, Nelson Jimenez and Barbaro Marin. In the documentary category is "Sometimes we meet", by Ramon Estevanell, "Africa Story" by Rebeca Chavez and "Cuban Mass by Idelfonso Ramos". These are just a few of the island's 58 entries in this year`s edition of the Festival. INTERNATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL IN FULL SWING IN SANTIAGO DE CUBA Santiago de Cuba, December 4(RHC)-- Outstanding international and Cuban choirs are currently participating in the Fourth International Choir Festival in Santiago de Cuba. The cultural event is sponsored by the Cuban Music Institute and Santiago de Cuba's Cultural Division. Outstanding choirs from Latin America and Europe are performing in the festival with classical Cuban and international repertoirs. On Thursday, Cuba's renowned Exaudi choir and Gotemburg's Chamber Choir of Sweden will join their voices in a highly anticipated concert. The 4th International festival is scheduled to conclude on December 9th. INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORTATION FAIR UNDERWAY IN HAVANA'S PABEXPO EXHIBIT HALLS Havana, December 4(RHC)-- More than 300 firms from 21 countries are attending the First International Transportation Fair currently underway in Havana's Pabexpo Exhibit Halls. Sponsored by the Cuban Transportation Ministry, the Cuban Chamber of Commerce and Havana's Convention Center, the gathering gives manufacturers, traders and operators in the different spheres of transportation an opportunity to get aquainted with one another's products and common needs and to boost the exchange of experiences and ways to solve current problems and future challenges. Vehicles for commercial and industrial use are on display at the fair as well as equipment used in workshops and service stations, paint, barnishes, lubricants and equipment used in planes, boats, ports and railroads. Several activities are running paralell to the fair like Thursday's launching of the Cuban Coloso bus, manufactured with Cuban components and Volvo technology, round table discussions and lectures. [c] 1997. Radio Habana Cuba All rights reserved Articles cannot be reproduced, reprinted or published in any system without the consent of RHC. This prohibition includes the distribution of this material via Usenet News, "bulletin board" services, e-mail lists, print media, radio and television. For the complete RADIO HAVANA CUBA NEWSCAST and other features, please write for our daily broadcast schedule. We welcome your comments and suggestions. For further information, contact us at: Postal Address: Radio Havana Cuba P.O.Box 6240 Havana, Cuba Telephone: (53) (7) 814243 Fax: (53) (7) 812927 E-mail: rhc@radiohc.org WWW: http://www.radiohc.org