CUBANEWS FROM RADIO HAVANA CUBA September 15, 1997 rhc@radiohc.org http://www.radiohc.org The following items are taken from RADIO HAVANA CUBA's International Shortwave Service in English for Monday, September 15, 1997. Today's stories: 1.- POSSIBLE LINKS BETWEEN SALVADORAN MERCENARY ARRESTED IN HAVANA AND CUBAN-AMERICAN TERRORIST LUIS POSADA CARRILES 2.- CUBAN EXPERTS WILL PROVIDE THEIR SERVICES IN JAMAICA 3.- MEMBERSHIP IN CUBAN COMMUNIST PARTY CONTINUES TO GROW 4.- CUBAN STUDENTS SELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY OF PEOPLE'S POWER 5.- CUBA AND MEXICO ANALYZE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING GEOGRAPHICALLY CLOSE TO THE UNITED STATES 6.- POPULAR MEXICAN ROCK STAR ALEJANDRA GUZMAN IN CUBA POSSIBLE LINKS BETWEEN SALVADORAN MERCENARY ARRESTED IN HAVANA AND CUBAN-AMERICAN TERRORIST LUIS POSADA CARRILES San Salvador, September 15(RHC)-- The Salvadoran daily "Diario De Hoy" reported over the weekend on the possible existence of ties between a Salvadoran mercenary arrested in Cuba and known Cuban-American terrorist Luis Posada Carriles. Citing unnamed government sources, the Saturday edition of "Diario De Hoy" asserted that Posada Carriles is currently residing in the capital, San Salvador, under the false name of Ramon Medina and works as a tourist guide for the San Cristobal Tourism Agency. The Salvadoran news daily also quotes Yanira Cruz, the sister of Raul Ernesto Cruz Leon -- arrested in connection with terrorist bomb explosions in Cuban hotel and tourism installations. According to the suspects sister, while going through some of her brother's belongings, she discovered that Cruz Leon has had ties with Posada Carriles. Luis Posada Carriles is the co-author of the 1976 terrorist bomb aboard a Cuban civilian airliner which exploded in mid- air over Barbados, claiming the lives of 73 people. Observers say Posada Carriles was an active CIA agent and continues to maintain ties with ultra-right extremists in Miami. CUBAN EXPERTS WILL PROVIDE THEIR SERVICES IN JAMAICA Kingston, September 15(RHC)-- Cuban and Jamaican authorities have agreed to expand cooperation in the area of construction. Under the agreement -- signed today in Kingston -- Cuban engineers will provide their services on the Caribbean island. The main area of interest is the construction of highways and roads. Jamaican Labor Minister Charles Bethune told reporters in Kingston that the two islands are engaged in "a continuous and mutually beneficial cooperation project." MEMBERSHIP IN CUBAN COMMUNIST PARTY CONTINUES TO GROW Havana, September 15(RHC)-- Contrary to predictions by enemies of the Cuban Revolution, membership in the Cuban Communist Party has grown in spite of severe economic conditions. Statistics published by the daily Granma newspaper show that over thirty percent of Party members entered the organization over the past five years. Granma says that the number of Party members has increased twenty-fold over the last three decades -- amounting to a total membership of 780,000. Current membership numbers were revealed at the last of a series of meetings to select delegates to the Fifth Party Congress, which will be held from October 8th through the 10th. CUBAN STUDENTS SELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY OF PEOPLE'S POWER Havana, September 15(RHC)-- In a unique experience, Cuban senior high and university students have nominated their candidates for municipal assemblies. With the nomination of students for legislators, the electoral process enters a new stage. Over 35,000 public meetings have been held across the island, where voters have selected their candidates for municipal posts. Voter registration lists and biographical sketches of the nominees have already been posted in public places. Election day is October 19th, with a runoff-election slated for the 24th for candidates that do not receive the necessary 50 percent or more of the vote. CUBA AND MEXICO ANALYZE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING GEOGRAPHICALLY CLOSE TO THE UNITED STATES Havana, September 15(RHC)-- The consequences of being so close geographically to the United States is the focus of an international gathering underway in Havana. Philosophers from Mexico and Cuba are on hand at the first Meeting of Culture, Ethics and Policies of Our America. The encounter is being sponsored by Cuba's Center for the Studies on Jose Marti and Mexico's Association of Philosophy. The gathering will provide an opportunity to exchange experiences on having such a powerful nation as the United States as a neighbor. POPULAR MEXICAN ROCK STAR ALEJANDRA GUZMAN IN CUBA Havana, September 15(RHC)-- Popular Mexican rock singer Alejandra Guzman has offered two standing-room-only concerts in Cuba. Upon her arrival in Havana over the weekend, Guzman said she did not fear threats by U.S. authorities or the music industry for performing on the island. Alejandra Guzman mesmerized her audience at the Varadero Theater this past Saturday night with her controversial style. She also took to the stage of the famous Tropicana cabaret on Monday to offer her last concert. Alejandra Guzman told reporters that she is not looking to make money from the two concerts in Havana. She added that being able to perform in Cuba is "a dream come true." [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. 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